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CVE-2021-29428

Local privilege escalation through system temporary directory

8.8 HighFix available

In Gradle before version 7.0, on Unix-like systems, the system temporary directory can be created with open permissions that allow multiple users to create and delete files within it. Gradle builds could be vulnerable to a local privilege escalation from an attacker quickly deleting and recreating files in the system temporary directory. This vulnerability impacted builds using precompiled script plugins written in Kotlin DSL and tests for Gradle plugins written using ProjectBuilder or TestKit. If you are on Windows or modern versions of macOS, you are not vulnerable. If you are on a Unix-like operating system with the "sticky" bit set on your system temporary directory, you are not vulnerable. The problem has been patched and released with Gradle 7.0. As a workaround, on Unix-like operating systems, ensure that the "sticky" bit is set. This only allows the original user (or root) to delete a file. If you are unable to change the permissions of the system temporary directory, you can move the Java temporary directory by setting the System Property java.io.tmpdir. The new path needs to limit permissions to the build user only. For additional details refer to the referenced GitHub Security Advisory.

Attack profile

How easy it is to exploit

Attack vector
Local
Complexity
Low
Privileges needed
Low
User interaction
None

What an attacker can affect

Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High

Exploit likelihood

0.54%Unchanged since Apr 14, 2021
90%50%10%1%

What each source reports

CVE List Score used 8.8

Local privilege escalation through system temporary directory

In Gradle before version 7.0, on Unix-like systems, the system temporary directory can be created with open permissions that allow multiple users to create and delete files within it. Gradle builds could be vulnerable to a local privilege escalation from an attacker quickly deleting and recreating files in the system temporary directory. This vulnerability impacted builds using precompiled script plugins written in Kotlin DSL and tests for Gradle plugins written using ProjectBuilder or TestKit. If you are on Windows or modern versions of macOS, you are not vulnerable. If you are on a Unix-like operating system with the "sticky" bit set on your system temporary directory, you are not vulnerable. The problem has been patched and released with Gradle 7.0. As a workaround, on Unix-like operating systems, ensure that the "sticky" bit is set. This only allows the original user (or root) to delete a file. If you are unable to change the permissions of the system temporary directory, you can move the Java temporary directory by setting the System Property java.io.tmpdir. The new path needs to limit permissions to the build user only. For additional details refer to the referenced GitHub Security Advisory.

Record
CVE-2021-29428
CVSS 3.1
8.8 HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Weakness
CWE-379, CWE-378
Updated
2026-11-02
EUVDEUVD-2021-16059 8.8

In Gradle before version 7.0, on Unix-like systems, the system temporary directory can be created with open permissions that allow multiple users to create and delete files within it. Gradle builds could be vulnerable to a local privilege escalation from an attacker quickly deleting and recreating files in the system temporary directory. This vulnerability impacted builds using precompiled script plugins written in Kotlin DSL and tests for Gradle plugins written using ProjectBuilder or TestKit. If you are on Windows or modern versions of macOS, you are not vulnerable. If you are on a Unix-like operating system with the "sticky" bit set on your system temporary directory, you are not vulnerable. The problem has been patched and released with Gradle 7.0. As a workaround, on Unix-like operating systems, ensure that the "sticky" bit is set. This only allows the original user (or root) to delete a file. If you are unable to change the permissions of the system temporary directory, you can move the Java temporary directory by setting the System Property java.io.tmpdir. The new path needs to limit permissions to the build user only. For additional details refer to the referenced GitHub Security Advisory.

Record
EUVD-2021-16059
CVSS 3.1
8.8 HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Updated
2026-11-02
NVD 8.8

In Gradle before version 7.0, on Unix-like systems, the system temporary directory can be created with open permissions that allow multiple users to create and delete files within it. Gradle builds could be vulnerable to a local privilege escalation from an attacker quickly deleting and recreating files in the system temporary directory. This vulnerability impacted builds using precompiled script plugins written in Kotlin DSL and tests for Gradle plugins written using ProjectBuilder or TestKit. If you are on Windows or modern versions of macOS, you are not vulnerable. If you are on a Unix-like operating system with the "sticky" bit set on your system temporary directory, you are not vulnerable. The problem has been patched and released with Gradle 7.0. As a workaround, on Unix-like operating systems, ensure that the "sticky" bit is set. This only allows the original user (or root) to delete a file. If you are unable to change the permissions of the system temporary directory, you can move the Java temporary directory by setting the System Property java.io.tmpdir. The new path needs to limit permissions to the build user only. For additional details refer to the referenced GitHub Security Advisory.

Record
CVE-2021-29428
CVSS 3.1
8.8 HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS 3.1
7.8 HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS 2.0
4.4 MediumAV:L/AC:M/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
Weakness
CWE-378, CWE-379
Updated
2026-11-02
OSV 7.8

In Gradle before version 7.0, on Unix-like systems, the system temporary directory can be created with open permissions that allow multiple users to create and delete files within it. Gradle builds could be vulnerable to a local privilege escalation from an attacker quickly deleting and recreating files in the system temporary directory. This vulnerability impacted builds using precompiled script plugins written in Kotlin DSL and tests for Gradle plugins written using ProjectBuilder or TestKit. If you are on Windows or modern versions of macOS, you are not vulnerable. If you are on a Unix-like operating system with the "sticky" bit set on your system temporary directory, you are not vulnerable. The problem has been patched and released with Gradle 7.0. As a workaround, on Unix-like operating systems, ensure that the "sticky" bit is set. This only allows the original user (or root) to delete a file. If you are unable to change the permissions of the system temporary directory, you can move the Java temporary directory by setting the System Property java.io.tmpdir. The new path needs to limit permissions to the build user only. For additional details refer to the referenced GitHub Security Advisory.

Record
CVE-2021-29428
CVSS 3.1
7.8 HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Updated
2026-11-02
OSVDEBIAN-CVE-2021-29428 7.8

In Gradle before version 7.0, on Unix-like systems, the system temporary directory can be created with open permissions that allow multiple users to create and delete files within it. Gradle builds could be vulnerable to a local privilege escalation from an attacker quickly deleting and recreating files in the system temporary directory. This vulnerability impacted builds using precompiled script plugins written in Kotlin DSL and tests for Gradle plugins written using ProjectBuilder or TestKit. If you are on Windows or modern versions of macOS, you are not vulnerable. If you are on a Unix-like operating system with the "sticky" bit set on your system temporary directory, you are not vulnerable. The problem has been patched and released with Gradle 7.0. As a workaround, on Unix-like operating systems, ensure that the "sticky" bit is set. This only allows the original user (or root) to delete a file. If you are unable to change the permissions of the system temporary directory, you can move the Java temporary directory by setting the System Property java.io.tmpdir. The new path needs to limit permissions to the build user only. For additional details refer to the referenced GitHub Security Advisory.

Record
DEBIAN-CVE-2021-29428
CVSS 3.1
7.8 HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Updated
2026-11-02
OSVUBUNTU-CVE-2021-29428 8.8

In Gradle before version 7.0, on Unix-like systems, the system temporary directory can be created with open permissions that allow multiple users to create and delete files within it. Gradle builds could be vulnerable to a local privilege escalation from an attacker quickly deleting and recreating files in the system temporary directory. This vulnerability impacted builds using precompiled script plugins written in Kotlin DSL and tests for Gradle plugins written using ProjectBuilder or TestKit. If you are on Windows or modern versions of macOS, you are not vulnerable. If you are on a Unix-like operating system with the "sticky" bit set on your system temporary directory, you are not vulnerable. The problem has been patched and released with Gradle 7.0. As a workaround, on Unix-like operating systems, ensure that the "sticky" bit is set. This only allows the original user (or root) to delete a file. If you are unable to change the permissions of the system temporary directory, you can move the Java temporary directory by setting the System Property java.io.tmpdir. The new path needs to limit permissions to the build user only. For additional details refer to the referenced GitHub Security Advisory.

Record
UBUNTU-CVE-2021-29428
CVSS 3.1
8.8 HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS 3.1
7.8 HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Updated
2026-11-02
OSVBIT-gradle-2021-29428 No score

Local privilege escalation through system temporary directory

In Gradle before version 7.0, on Unix-like systems, the system temporary directory can be created with open permissions that allow multiple users to create and delete files within it. Gradle builds could be vulnerable to a local privilege escalation from an attacker quickly deleting and recreating files in the system temporary directory. This vulnerability impacted builds using precompiled script plugins written in Kotlin DSL and tests for Gradle plugins written using ProjectBuilder or TestKit. If you are on Windows or modern versions of macOS, you are not vulnerable. If you are on a Unix-like operating system with the "sticky" bit set on your system temporary directory, you are not vulnerable. The problem has been patched and released with Gradle 7.0. As a workaround, on Unix-like operating systems, ensure that the "sticky" bit is set. This only allows the original user (or root) to delete a file. If you are unable to change the permissions of the system temporary directory, you can move the Java temporary directory by setting the System Property java.io.tmpdir. The new path needs to limit permissions to the build user only. For additional details refer to the referenced GitHub Security Advisory.

Record
BIT-gradle-2021-29428
Updated
2026-11-02
OSVSUSE-SU-2023:1867-1 No score

Security update for gradle

This update for gradle fixes the following issues:

  • CVE-2021-29428: Fixed a local privilege escalation through system temporary directory. (bsc#1184807)
Record
SUSE-SU-2023:1867-1
Updated
2026-11-02

Affected products

Affected packages

Affected packages
PackageAffectedFixed
gradle
Bitnami
before 7.0.0
7.0.0
gradle
Debian:12
All versions, plus listed versions
4.4.1-184.4.1-194.4.1-204.4.1-214.4.1-22
Show 5 moreShow less
4.4.1-234.5.1-14.6-14.6-24.6-3
None known
gradle
Debian:13
All versions, plus listed versions
4.4.1-224.4.1-234.5.1-14.6-14.6-24.6-3
None known
gradle
Debian:14
All versions, plus listed versions
4.4.1-224.4.1-234.5.1-14.6-14.6-24.6-3
None known
gradle
SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Development Tools 15 SP4
before 4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
gradle
SUSE:Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP2-LTSS
before 4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
gradle
SUSE:Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP3-ESPOS
before 4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
gradle
SUSE:Linux Enterprise High Performance Computing 15 SP3-LTSS
before 4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
gradle
SUSE:Linux Enterprise Real Time 15 SP3
before 4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
gradle
SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP2-LTSS
before 4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
Show 14 moreShow less
Affected packages
PackageAffectedFixed
gradle
SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP3-LTSS
before 4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
gradle
SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications 15 SP2
before 4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
gradle
SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications 15 SP3
before 4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
gradle
SUSE:Enterprise Storage 7
before 4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
gradle
SUSE:Enterprise Storage 7.1
before 4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
gradle
openSUSE:Leap 15.4
before 4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
4.4.1-150200.3.7.1
gradle
Ubuntu:16.04:LTS
All versions, plus listed versions
2.5-32.7-12.7-22.7-32.10-1
None known
gradle
Ubuntu:Pro:18.04:LTS
All versions, plus listed versions
3.2.1-3build23.2.1-43.2.1-53.4.1-43.4.1-63.4.1-7ubuntu14.4.1-5ubuntu2~18.044.4.1-5ubuntu2~18.04+esm1
None known
gradle
Ubuntu:20.04:LTS
All versions, plus listed versions
4.4.1-84.4.1-94.4.1-10
None known
gradle
Ubuntu:22.04:LTS
All versions, plus listed versions
4.4.1-13
None known
gradle
Ubuntu:24.04:LTS
All versions, plus listed versions
4.4.1-184.4.1-20
None known
gradle
Ubuntu:25.10
All versions, plus listed versions
4.4.1-22
None known
gradle
Ubuntu:26.10
All versions, plus listed versions
4.4.1-22ubuntu14.4.1-23
None known
gradle
Ubuntu:26.04:LTS
All versions, plus listed versions
4.4.1-224.4.1-22build14.4.1-22ubuntu1
None known

History

History
RecordedChangedSources
first indexedCVE List, EUVD, NVD, OSV

Dates are when Every CVE recorded each change. Upstream dates may differ.

In short

CVE-2021-29428 is a high vulnerability (CVSS 8.8) in Gradle, published April 13, 2021. No source lists public exploit code. EPSS puts the chance of exploitation in the next 30 days at 0.54%, the 45th percentile. Fixed in gradle 7.0.0.

References

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