How severe is CVE-2008-2931?

CVE-2008-2931 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2008-2931 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (30th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-2931?

CVE-2008-2931 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 11 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-2931?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2008-2931 published?

CVE-2008-2931 was published on 2008-07-09 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2008-2931

CVE-2008-2931 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-269.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (30th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-269
Affected product: Linux Linux Kernel
Published: 2008-07-09
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The do_change_type function in fs/namespace.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.22 does not verify that the caller has the CAP_SYS_ADMIN capability, which allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service by modifying the properties of a mountpoint.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-2931?: The do_change_type function in fs/namespace.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.22 does not verify that the caller has the CAP_SYS_ADMIN capability, which allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service by modifying the properties of a mountpoint.
How severe is CVE-2008-2931?: CVE-2008-2931 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2008-2931 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (30th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-2931?: CVE-2008-2931 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 11 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-2931?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2008-2931 published?: CVE-2008-2931 was published on 2008-07-09 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (11)

cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:4.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:novell:suse_linux_enterprise_desktop:10.0:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:novell:suse_linux_enterprise_desktop:10.0:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:novell:suse_linux_enterprise_server:10.0:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:novell:suse_linux_enterprise_server:10.0:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:opensuse:opensuse:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:6.06:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:7.04:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:7.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:canonical:ubuntu_linux:8.04:*:*:*:lts:*:*:*

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