CVE-2015-8961

Name: CVE-2015-8961
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2016-11-16T05:59:00.14+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 2.00%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2015-8961 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The __ext4_journal_stop function in fs/ext4/ext4_jbd2.c in the Linux kernel before 4.3.3 allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (use-after-free) by leveraging improper access to a certain error field.. EPSS estimates a 2.00% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The __ext4_journal_stop function in fs/ext4/ext4_jbd2.c in the Linux kernel before 4.3.3 allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (use-after-free) by leveraging improper access to a certain error field.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

2.00%

78.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-416

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 3.10.85, < 3.12
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 3.12.46, < 3.12.52
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 3.14.49, < 3.14.59
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 3.18.20, < 3.18.54
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 4.1.4, < 4.1.15
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 4.2, < 4.2.8
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 4.3, < 4.3.3

References

http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=6934da9238da947628be83635e365df41064b09bPatch, Vendor Advisory
http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.3.3Release Notes
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/94135Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/6934da9238da947628be83635e365df41064b09bPatch, Vendor Advisory
https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2016-11-01.htmlThird Party Advisory
http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=6934da9238da947628be83635e365df41064b09bPatch, Vendor Advisory
http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.3.3Release Notes
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/94135Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/6934da9238da947628be83635e365df41064b09bPatch, Vendor Advisory
https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2016-11-01.htmlThird Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 16, 2016
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2015-8961?

How severe is CVE-2015-8961?

CVE-2015-8961 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 2.00% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2015-8961?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2015-8961?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST