Security Flaw in PolicyKit Affects Multiple Linux Distributions
CVE-2018-19788

8.8HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Polkit Project

Status
Polkit
Vendor
CVE Published:
3 December 2018

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC🟣 EPSS 42%

What is CVE-2018-19788?

A vulnerability exists in PolicyKit (also known as polkit) version 0.115, which allows a user with a UID greater than INT_MAX to execute arbitrary systemctl commands. This flaw could enable unauthorized command execution, posing security risks to the affected Linux systems. Administrators are urged to apply patches and review user permissions to mitigate potential exploitation.

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.

PoC
Created by Ekultek

CVE-2018-19788
Created by AbsoZed

CVE-2018-19788
Created by d4gh0s7

References

https://usn.ubuntu.com/3861-1/
vendor-advisoryx_refsource_UBUNTU
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2019/01/msg0...
mailing-listx_refsource_MLIST
https://usn.ubuntu.com/3861-2/
vendor-advisoryx_refsource_UBUNTU

EPSS Score

42% chance of being exploited in the next 30 days.

CVSS V3.1

Score:
8.8
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

.