How severe is CVE-2016-2779?

CVE-2016-2779 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-2016-2779 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (31st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-2779?

CVE-2016-2779 affects Kernel Util-linux. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-2779?

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-2016-2779 published?

CVE-2016-2779 was published on 2017-02-07 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-2779

CVE-2016-2779 is a high-severity vulnerability in Kernel Util-linux 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-264.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (31st percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Kernel Util-linux
Published: 2017-02-07
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

runuser in util-linux allows local users to escape to the parent session via a crafted TIOCSTI ioctl call, which pushes characters to the terminal's input buffer.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-2779?: runuser in util-linux allows local users to escape to the parent session via a crafted TIOCSTI ioctl call, which pushes characters to the terminal's input buffer.
How severe is CVE-2016-2779?: CVE-2016-2779 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-2016-2779 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (31st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-2779?: CVE-2016-2779 affects Kernel Util-linux. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-2779?: 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-2016-2779 published?: CVE-2016-2779 was published on 2017-02-07 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:kernel:util-linux:2.24.2-1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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