# CVE-2021-3978: cfrpki: When copying files with rsync, octorpki uses the "-a" flag 0, which forces rsync to copy binaries with the suid bit s...

CVE-2021-3978 is fixed in cfrpki on 1 platform by DEBIAN-CVE-2021-3978 (version 1.4.2-1), released January 29, 2025. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: Routine.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2021-3978
- Priority: Routine
- CVSS: 5.5 (medium)
- EPSS: 0.0014
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: Jan 29, 2025

## Description

When copying files with rsync, octorpki uses the "-a" flag 0, which forces rsync to copy binaries with the suid bit set as root. Since the provided service definition defaults to root ( https://github.com/cloudflare/cfrpki/blob/master/package/octorpki.service ) this could allow for a vector, when combined with another vulnerability that causes octorpki to process a malicious TAL file, for a local privilege escalation.

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | cfrpki Debian 12.15 (bookworm) | 1.4.2-1 | [DEBIAN-CVE-2021-3978](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/debian-cve-2021-3978.md) | Jan 29, 2025 |

---

Data as of 2026-11-08T13:06:02Z UTC. Source: Patchblox Patch Radar (https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar). Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo

Free to use with attribution: show "Data: Patchblox Patch Radar" with a link to https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar. Terms, including what needs a written agreement: https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar/use-the-data

Product names, logos and trademarks shown on Patch Radar belong to their respective owners. They are used only to identify the software each security fix applies to and to help readers find their platform. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, or endorsement by, those owners, and Patchblox is not affiliated with any of them.