systemd-machined 259+ Unprivileged Kill Any Process via Desktop GUI
CVE-2026-15060 Published on August 10, 2026
systemd-machined: unprivileged users can terminate arbitrary processes
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
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-15060 is exploitable with local system access, and requires small amount of user privileges. This vulnerability is consided to have a high level of attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have no impact on confidentiality and integrity, and a high impact on availability.
Weakness Types
What is an Authorization Vulnerability?
The software does not restrict or incorrectly restricts access to a resource from an unauthorized actor.
CVE-2026-15060 has been classified to as an Authorization vulnerability or weakness.
What is an AuthZ Vulnerability?
The software does not perform an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action.
CVE-2026-15060 has been classified to as an AuthZ vulnerability or weakness.
Affected Versions
systemd-machined:- Version 259 and below 262, 261.2, 260.4, 259.8, 258.10 is affected.