CVE-2016-2854

Name: CVE-2016-2854
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2016-05-02T10:59:34.533+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.95%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2016-2854 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The aufs module for the Linux kernel 3.x and 4.x does not properly maintain POSIX ACL xattr data, which allows local users to gain privileges by leveraging a group-writable setgid directory.. EPSS estimates a 0.95% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The aufs module for the Linux kernel 3.x and 4.x does not properly maintain POSIX ACL xattr data, which allows local users to gain privileges by leveraging a group-writable setgid directory.

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

0.95%

56.6th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-269

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 3.0.0, <= 3.19.8
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 4.0.0, <= 4.20.15

References

http://www.halfdog.net/Security/2016/AufsPrivilegeEscalationInUserNamespaces/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/02/24/9Exploit, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/96838Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://sourceforge.net/p/aufs/mailman/message/34864744/Third Party Advisory
http://www.halfdog.net/Security/2016/AufsPrivilegeEscalationInUserNamespaces/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/02/24/9Exploit, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/96838Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://sourceforge.net/p/aufs/mailman/message/34864744/Third Party Advisory

Timeline

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-2854?

The aufs module for the Linux kernel 3.x and 4.x does not properly maintain POSIX ACL xattr data, which allows local users to gain privileges by leveraging a group-writable setgid directory.

How severe is CVE-2016-2854?

CVE-2016-2854 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.95% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2016-2854?

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-2016-2854?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST