CVE-2017-5940

Name: CVE-2017-5940
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2017-02-09T18:59:00.16+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

UnknownEPSS 0.36%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2017-5940 is a vulnerability of currently unknown severity. Firejail before 0.9.44.6 and 0.9.38.x LTS before 0.9.38.10 LTS does not comprehensively address dotfile cases during its attempt to prevent accessing user files with an euid of zero, which allows local users to conduct sandbox-escape attacks via vectors involving a symlink and the --private option. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2017-5180.. EPSS estimates a 0.36% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Firejail before 0.9.44.6 and 0.9.38.x LTS before 0.9.38.10 LTS does not comprehensively address dotfile cases during its attempt to prevent accessing user files with an euid of zero, which allows local users to conduct sandbox-escape attacks via vectors involving a symlink and the --private option. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2017-5180.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

0.36%

27.7th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-269

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Firejail Project	Firejail	>= 0.9.38, <= 0.9.38.10
Firejail Project	Firejail	>= 0.9.40, <= 0.9.44.6

References

http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2017/01/31/16Mailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/96221Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://firejail.wordpress.com/download-2/release-notes/Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/netblue30/firejail/commit/38d418505e9ee2d326557e5639e8da49c298858fIssue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/netblue30/firejail/commit/903fd8a0789ca3cc3c21d84cd0282481515592efIssue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/netblue30/firejail/commit/b8a4ff9775318ca5e679183884a6a63f3da8f863Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201702-03Third Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2017/01/31/16Mailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/96221Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://firejail.wordpress.com/download-2/release-notes/Release Notes, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/netblue30/firejail/commit/38d418505e9ee2d326557e5639e8da49c298858fIssue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/netblue30/firejail/commit/903fd8a0789ca3cc3c21d84cd0282481515592efIssue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/netblue30/firejail/commit/b8a4ff9775318ca5e679183884a6a63f3da8f863Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201702-03Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Feb 9, 2017
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2017-5940?

How severe is CVE-2017-5940?

Severity scoring for CVE-2017-5940 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 0.36% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2017-5940?

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-2017-5940?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST