Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in Linux Kernel by The Linux Foundation
CVE-2016-5195

7HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor: Canonical
Status: Ubuntu Linux
Vendor: CVE Published:; 10 November 2016

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC🟣 EPSS 94%🦅 CISA Reported

Summary

A race condition exists in the Linux kernel that allows local users to gain elevated privileges. By exploiting improper handling of copy-on-write (COW) memory mappings, an attacker could modify files that are meant to be read-only. This vulnerability, known as 'Dirty COW', was notably used in attacks as early as October 2016, facilitating unauthorized access and modification capabilities.

CISA Reported

CISA provides regional cyber and physical services to support security and resilience across the United States. CISA monitor the most dangerious vulnerabilities and have identifed as being exploited but is not known by the CISA to be used in ransomware campaigns. This is subject to change at pace

The CISA's recommendation is: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2016-5195 - Proof of Concept