CVE-2016-1576

Name: CVE-2016-1576
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2016-05-02T10:59:24.487+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 1.06%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2016-1576 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The overlayfs implementation in the Linux kernel through 4.5.2 does not properly restrict the mount namespace, which allows local users to gain privileges by mounting an overlayfs filesystem on top of a FUSE filesystem, and then executing a crafted setuid program.. EPSS estimates a 1.06% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The overlayfs implementation in the Linux kernel through 4.5.2 does not properly restrict the mount namespace, which allows local users to gain privileges by mounting an overlayfs filesystem on top of a FUSE filesystem, and then executing a crafted setuid program.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

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

EPSS Probability

1.06%

60.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Canonical	Ubuntu Core	15.04
Canonical	Ubuntu Linux	12.04
Canonical	Ubuntu Linux	14.04
Canonical	Ubuntu Linux	15.10
Canonical	Ubuntu Linux	16.04
Canonical	Ubuntu Linux	16.10
Canonical	Ubuntu Touch	15.04
Linux	Linux Kernel	<= 4.5.2

References

http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=e9f57ebcba563e0cd532926cab83c92bb4d79360Mailing List, Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://people.canonical.com/~ubuntu-security/cve/2016/CVE-2016-1576.htmlThird Party Advisory
http://www.halfdog.net/Security/2016/OverlayfsOverFusePrivilegeEscalation/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/02/24/8Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/10/18/1Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1535150Third Party Advisory
https://launchpadlibrarian.net/235300093/0005-overlayfs-Be-more-careful-about-copying-up-sxid-file.patchMailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://launchpadlibrarian.net/235300225/0006-overlayfs-Propogate-nosuid-from-lower-and-upper-moun.patchMailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=e9f57ebcba563e0cd532926cab83c92bb4d79360Mailing List, Patch, Vendor Advisory
http://people.canonical.com/~ubuntu-security/cve/2016/CVE-2016-1576.htmlThird Party Advisory
http://www.halfdog.net/Security/2016/OverlayfsOverFusePrivilegeEscalation/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/02/24/8Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/10/18/1Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1535150Third Party Advisory
https://launchpadlibrarian.net/235300093/0005-overlayfs-Be-more-careful-about-copying-up-sxid-file.patchMailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://launchpadlibrarian.net/235300225/0006-overlayfs-Propogate-nosuid-from-lower-and-upper-moun.patchMailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: May 2, 2016
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-1576?

How severe is CVE-2016-1576?

CVE-2016-1576 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.06% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2016-1576?

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-2016-1576?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST