CVE-2015-7872

CVE-2015-7872 is a low-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1. 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-20.

Key facts

• Severity: Low (CVSS 2.0 base score 2.1)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (40th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-20
• Affected product: Linux Linux Kernel
• Published: 2015-11-16
• Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The key_gc_unused_keys function in security/keys/gc.c in the Linux kernel through 4.2.6 allows local users to cause a denial of service (OOPS) via crafted keyctl commands.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2015-7872?

The key_gc_unused_keys function in security/keys/gc.c in the Linux kernel through 4.2.6 allows local users to cause a denial of service (OOPS) via crafted keyctl commands.

How severe is CVE-2015-7872?

CVE-2015-7872 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1, rated low severity.

Is CVE-2015-7872 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (40th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2015-7872?

CVE-2015-7872 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2015-7872?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2015-7872 published?

CVE-2015-7872 was published on 2015-11-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

• http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=ce1fad2740c648a4340f6f6c391a8a83769d2e8c
• http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=f05819df10d7b09f6d1eb6f8534a8f68e5a4fe61
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2015-11/msg00035.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2015-12/msg00005.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2015-12/msg00018.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2015-12/msg00026.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2015-12/msg00031.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-02/msg00007.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-02/msg00009.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-02/msg00013.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-02/msg00017.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-02/msg00018.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-02/msg00019.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-02/msg00020.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-02/msg00021.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-02/msg00022.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-02/msg00034.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-04/msg00015.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-08/msg00038.html
• http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=145975164525836&w=2
• http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2015-2636.html
• http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-0185.html
• http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-0212.html
• http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-0224.html
• http://www.debian.org/security/2015/dsa-3396
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2015/10/20/6
• http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/linuxbulletinjan2016-2867209.html
• http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/linuxbulletinoct2015-2719645.html
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/77544
• http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1034472

Affected products (1)

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

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