CVE-2017-5551

Name: CVE-2017-5551
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2017-02-06T06:59:00.717+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

UnknownEPSS 0.40%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2017-5551 is a vulnerability of currently unknown severity. The simple_set_acl function in fs/posix_acl.c in the Linux kernel before 4.9.6 preserves the setgid bit during a setxattr call involving a tmpfs filesystem, which allows local users to gain group privileges by leveraging the existence of a setgid program with restrictions on execute permissions. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2016-7097.. EPSS estimates a 0.40% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The simple_set_acl function in fs/posix_acl.c in the Linux kernel before 4.9.6 preserves the setgid bit during a setxattr call involving a tmpfs filesystem, which allows local users to gain group privileges by leveraging the existence of a setgid program with restrictions on execute permissions. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2016-7097.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

0.40%

32.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linux	Linux Kernel	<= 4.9.5

References

http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=497de07d89c1410d76a15bec2bb41f24a2a89f31Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3791
http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.9.6Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2017/01/21/3Mailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/95717Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038053
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1416126Issue Tracking, Patch
https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/497de07d89c1410d76a15bec2bb41f24a2a89f31Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=497de07d89c1410d76a15bec2bb41f24a2a89f31Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3791
http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.9.6Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2017/01/21/3Mailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/95717Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038053
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1416126Issue Tracking, Patch
https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/497de07d89c1410d76a15bec2bb41f24a2a89f31Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Feb 6, 2017
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2017-5551?

How severe is CVE-2017-5551?

Severity scoring for CVE-2017-5551 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 0.40% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2017-5551?

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-2017-5551?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST