How severe is CVE-2012-2123?

CVE-2012-2123 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2012-2123 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (34th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2012-2123?

CVE-2012-2123 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2012-2123?

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-2012-2123 published?

CVE-2012-2123 was published on 2012-05-17 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2012-2123

CVE-2012-2123 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. 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-264.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (34th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Linux Linux Kernel
Published: 2012-05-17
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The cap_bprm_set_creds function in security/commoncap.c in the Linux kernel before 3.3.3 does not properly handle the use of file system capabilities (aka fcaps) for implementing a privileged executable file, which allows local users to bypass intended personality restrictions via a crafted application, as demonstrated by an attack that uses a parent process to disable ASLR.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2012-2123?: The cap_bprm_set_creds function in security/commoncap.c in the Linux kernel before 3.3.3 does not properly handle the use of file system capabilities (aka fcaps) for implementing a privileged executable file, which allows local users to bypass intended personality restrictions via a crafted application, as demonstrated by an attack that uses a parent process to disable ASLR.
How severe is CVE-2012-2123?: CVE-2012-2123 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2012-2123 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (34th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2012-2123?: CVE-2012-2123 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2012-2123?: 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-2012-2123 published?: CVE-2012-2123 was published on 2012-05-17 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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