CVE-2023-0386KEV · OVERDUECWE-282

Linux Kernel Improper Ownership Management Vulnerability

High · published March 22, 2023

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 7.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 94.7th percentile for exploit probability.

473
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.8
EPSS
8%
Percentile
94.7
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

⚡ An unauthorized user could hijack privileges simply by moving files around! This flaw in the Linux kernel’s OverlayFS subsystem opens the door to escalating access like a house party that forgot to check IDs at the door. 🔥 Think of it like a delivery service that accidentally allows anyone to change delivery addresses without verification. A local user can exploit this flaw to reroute their permissions within the system, gaining unauthorized access just by copying capable files around. If a local user successfully exploits this vulnerability, they could elevate their privileges and gain control over critical system functions. This could lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or even a full system takeover, leaving the entire environment vulnerable and exposed.

Put simply

Think of it like a delivery service that accidentally allows anyone to change delivery addresses without verification. A local user can exploit this flaw to reroute their permissions within the system, gaining unauthorized access just by copying capable files around. CVE-2023-0386 is a uid mapping bug in the Linux kernel that occurs when a capable file is copied from a nosuid mount to another mount, allowing local users to execute setuid files with elevated privileges without proper authorization.

What to do

If a local user successfully exploits this vulnerability, they could elevate their privileges and gain control over critical system functions. This could lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or even a full system takeover, leaving the entire environment vulnerable and exposed. To mitigate this vulnerability, patch your Linux kernel to the latest version as soon as possible. Ensure that you review any existing mounts and their configurations to prevent unintended privilege escalation. Regularly audit your user permissions and file capabilities to maintain a secure environment. You've got this! By taking these steps, you're well on your way to securing your system from this vulnerability. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
7.8 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.07880 · 94.7th percentile
Weakness
CWE-282 · Improper Ownership Management
Published
2023-03-22T00:00Z
KEV added
2025-06-17 · due 2025-07-08
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 17 JUN 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Jul 8
    kev
  • 22 MAR 00:00Z
    A flaw was found in the Linux kernel, where unauthorized access to the execution of the setuid file with capabilities was found in the Linux kernel’s OverlayFS…
    cvelistv5