CVE-2026-15060
systemd-machined: unprivileged users can terminate arbitrary processes
Record summary
CVE-2026-15060 has a selected CVSS score of 4.7 (medium).
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
Exploitation context
CISA SSVC decision
CISA Coordinator · SSVC 2.0.3 · Evaluated Aug 10, 2026 · Source: CVE List
Affected products and versions
1| Product | Source | Version range | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
systemd-machinedBrowse systemd / systemd-machinedDefault status: unaffected | CVE List | 259 to < 262, 261.2, 260.4, 259.8, 258.10 | affected |