How severe is CVE-2016-9638?

CVE-2016-9638 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-2016-9638 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (38th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-9638?

CVE-2016-9638 affects Bmc Patrol. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-9638?

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-2016-9638 published?

CVE-2016-9638 was published on 2016-12-02 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-9638

CVE-2016-9638 is a high-severity vulnerability in Bmc Patrol 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% (38th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Bmc Patrol
Published: 2016-12-02
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In BMC Patrol before 9.13.10.02, the binary "listguests64" is configured with the setuid bit. However, when executing it, it will look for a binary named "virsh" using the PATH environment variable. The "listguests64" program will then run "virsh" using root privileges. This allows local users to elevate their privileges to root.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-9638?: In BMC Patrol before 9.13.10.02, the binary "listguests64" is configured with the setuid bit. However, when executing it, it will look for a binary named "virsh" using the PATH environment variable. The "listguests64" program will then run "virsh" using root privileges. This allows local users to elevate their privileges to root.
How severe is CVE-2016-9638?: CVE-2016-9638 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-2016-9638 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (38th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-9638?: CVE-2016-9638 affects Bmc Patrol. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-9638?: 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-2016-9638 published?: CVE-2016-9638 was published on 2016-12-02 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:bmc:patrol:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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