CVE-2026-15060
systemd-machined: unprivileged users can terminate arbitrary processes
Description
When systemd-machined >= v259 (or v258 with a custom `polkit` policy that allows `register-machine` access) is running on a desktop system, an unprivileged user logged in a desktop graphical session can kill arbitrary processes, even privileged ones. - versions older than v259 are not affected, unless unprivileged access is granted for the `register-machine` polkit action via a local, custom policy config file - versions older than v258 are not affected - unrelated to the systemd service manager (pid 1 or user session managers) - systemd-machined is not typically installed by default, and is typically in an optional, separate package (e.g.: systemd-container) - terminal-only or remote sessions (e.g.: ssh) are not affected
INFO
Published Date :
Aug. 10, 2026, 2:17 p.m.
Last Modified :
Oct. 23, 2026, 8:10 p.m.
Remotely Exploit :
No
Source :
98a521c5-3a3e-4e2b-bc27-002067e0463c
CVSS Scores
| Score | Version | Severity | Vector | Exploitability Score | Impact Score | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS | 134c704f-9b21-4f2e-91b3-4a467353bcc0 | |||||
| CVSS 3.1 | MEDIUM | 98a521c5-3a3e-4e2b-bc27-002067e0463c | ||||
| CVSS 3.1 | MEDIUM | MITRE-CVE |
Solution
- Update systemd-machined to a version older than v259.
- Restrict 'register-machine' polkit action if using older versions.
References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
Here, you will find a curated list of external links that provide in-depth
information, practical solutions, and valuable tools related to
CVE-2026-15060.
| URL | Resource |
|---|---|
| https://github.com/systemd/systemd/security/advisories/GHSA-qwv4-3gwc-w5g8 |
CWE - Common Weakness Enumeration
While CVE identifies
specific instances of vulnerabilities, CWE categorizes the common flaws or
weaknesses that can lead to vulnerabilities. CVE-2026-15060 is
associated with the following CWEs:
Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC)
Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification
(CAPEC)
stores attack patterns, which are descriptions of the common attributes and
approaches employed by adversaries to exploit the CVE-2026-15060
weaknesses.
We scan GitHub repositories to detect new proof-of-concept exploits. Following list is a collection of public exploits and proof-of-concepts, which have been published on GitHub (sorted by the most recently updated).
Results are limited to the first 15 repositories due to potential performance issues.
The following list is the news that have been mention
CVE-2026-15060 vulnerability anywhere in the article.
The following table lists the changes that have been made to the
CVE-2026-15060 vulnerability over time.
Vulnerability history details can be useful for understanding the evolution of a vulnerability, and for identifying the most recent changes that may impact the vulnerability's severity, exploitability, or other characteristics.
-
CVE Translated by [email protected]
Oct. 23, 2026
Action Type Old Value New Value Added Translation Title: systemd-machined de systemd, Description: Cuando systemd-machined >= v259 (o v258 con una política ’polkit’ personalizada que permite el acceso a ’register-machine’) se está ejecutando en un sistema de escritorio, un usuario sin privilegios conectado en una sesión gráfica de escritorio puede terminar procesos arbitrarios, incluso los privilegiados. * las versiones anteriores a v259 no se ven afectadas, a menos que se conceda acceso sin privilegios para la acción ’polkit’ ’register-machine’ a través de un archivo de configuración de política local y personalizado * las versiones anteriores a v258 no se ven afectadas * no relacionado con el gestor de servicios systemd (pid 1 o gestores de sesión de usuario) * systemd-machined no suele instalarse por defecto, y suele estar en un paquete opcional y separado (p. ej.: systemd-contenedor) * las sesiones solo de terminal o remotas (p. ej.: ssh) no se ven afectadas -
CVE Modified by 134c704f-9b21-4f2e-91b3-4a467353bcc0
Aug. 10, 2026
Action Type Old Value New Value Added SSVC {'id': 'CVE-2026-15060', 'role': 'CISA Coordinator', 'options': [{'exploitation': 'none'}, {'automatable': 'no'}, {'technicalImpact': 'partial'}], 'version': '2.0.3', 'timestamp': '2026-08-10T17:57:00.800960Z'} -
New CVE Received by 98a521c5-3a3e-4e2b-bc27-002067e0463c
Aug. 10, 2026
Action Type Old Value New Value Added Affected [{'repo': 'https://github.com/systemd/systemd', 'vendor': 'systemd', 'product': 'systemd-machined', 'versions': [{'status': 'affected', 'version': '259', 'lessThan': '262, 261.2, 260.4, 259.8, 258.10', 'versionType': 'custom'}], 'platforms': ['Linux'], 'defaultStatus': 'unaffected'}] Added Description When systemd-machined >= v259 (or v258 with a custom `polkit` policy that allows `register-machine` access) is running on a desktop system, an unprivileged user logged in a desktop graphical session can kill arbitrary processes, even privileged ones. - versions older than v259 are not affected, unless unprivileged access is granted for the `register-machine` polkit action via a local, custom policy config file - versions older than v258 are not affected - unrelated to the systemd service manager (pid 1 or user session managers) - systemd-machined is not typically installed by default, and is typically in an optional, separate package (e.g.: systemd-container) - terminal-only or remote sessions (e.g.: ssh) are not affected Added CVSS V3.1 AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H Added CWE CWE-284 Added CWE CWE-862 Added Reference https://github.com/systemd/systemd/security/advisories/GHSA-qwv4-3gwc-w5g8