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

7HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Canonical

Vendor
CVE Published:
10 November 2016

Badges

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

What is CVE-2016-5195?

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 has reported CVE-2016-5195

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 CVE-2016-5195 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.

References

EPSS Score

94% chance of being exploited in the next 30 days.

CVSS V3.1

Score:
7
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Local
Attack Complexity:
High
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • 🦅

    CISA Reported

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

.