CVE-2017-15951

Name: CVE-2017-15951
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2017-10-28T02:29:00.217+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.41%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2017-15951 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. The KEYS subsystem in the Linux kernel before 4.13.10 does not correctly synchronize the actions of updating versus finding a key in the "negative" state to avoid a race condition, which allows local users to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted system calls.. EPSS estimates a 0.41% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The KEYS subsystem in the Linux kernel before 4.13.10 does not correctly synchronize the actions of updating versus finding a key in the "negative" state to avoid a race condition, which allows local users to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted system calls.

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

0.41%

33.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-20

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 4.4, < 4.4.95
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 4.5, < 4.9.59
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 4.10, < 4.13.10

References

http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=363b02dab09b3226f3bd1420dad9c72b79a42a76Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.13.10Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101621Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/363b02dab09b3226f3bd1420dad9c72b79a42a76Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=363b02dab09b3226f3bd1420dad9c72b79a42a76Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.13.10Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101621Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/363b02dab09b3226f3bd1420dad9c72b79a42a76Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Oct 28, 2017
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2017-15951?

How severe is CVE-2017-15951?

CVE-2017-15951 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.41% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2017-15951?

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-2017-15951?

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

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Source: NVD / NIST