How severe is CVE-2021-35268?

CVE-2021-35268 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-35268 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (39th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-35268?

CVE-2021-35268 primarily affects Tuxera Ntfs-3g. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-35268?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2021-35268 published?

CVE-2021-35268 was published on 2021-09-07 and last updated on 2026-07-09.

CVE-2021-35268

Q: What is CVE-2021-35268?

In NTFS-3G versions < 2021.8.22, when a specially crafted NTFS inode is loaded in the function ntfs_inode_real_open, a heap buffer overflow can occur allowing for code execution and escalation of privileges.

CVE-2021-35268 is a high-severity vulnerability in Tuxera Ntfs-3g with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-787.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.9
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (39th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-787
Affected product: Tuxera Ntfs-3g
Published: 2021-09-07
Last modified: 2026-07-09

Description

In NTFS-3G versions < 2021.8.22, when a specially crafted NTFS inode is loaded in the function ntfs_inode_real_open, a heap buffer overflow can occur allowing for code execution and escalation of privileges.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-35268?: In NTFS-3G versions < 2021.8.22, when a specially crafted NTFS inode is loaded in the function ntfs_inode_real_open, a heap buffer overflow can occur allowing for code execution and escalation of privileges.
How severe is CVE-2021-35268?: CVE-2021-35268 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-35268 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (39th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-35268?: CVE-2021-35268 primarily affects Tuxera Ntfs-3g. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-35268?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2021-35268 published?: CVE-2021-35268 was published on 2021-09-07 and last updated on 2026-07-09.

References

Affected products (6)

cpe:2.3:a:tuxera:ntfs-3g:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:9.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:10.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:11.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:fedoraproject:fedora:33:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:fedoraproject:fedora:35:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Tuxera Ntfs-3g

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