CVE-2017-5551
CVE-2017-5551 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.4. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.
Key facts
- Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 4.4)
- CVSS v2: 3.6
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (32nd percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Affected product: Linux Linux Kernel
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
The simple_set_acl function in fs/posix_acl.c in the Linux kernel before 4.9.6 preserves the setgid bit during a setxattr call involving a tmpfs filesystem, which allows local users to gain group privileges by leveraging the existence of a setgid program with restrictions on execute permissions. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2016-7097.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2017-5551?
- The simple_set_acl function in fs/posix_acl.c in the Linux kernel before 4.9.6 preserves the setgid bit during a setxattr call involving a tmpfs filesystem, which allows local users to gain group privileges by leveraging the existence of a setgid program with restrictions on execute permissions. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2016-7097.
- How severe is CVE-2017-5551?
- CVE-2017-5551 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.4, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity low, and availability none.
- Is CVE-2017-5551 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (32nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2017-5551?
- CVE-2017-5551 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2017-5551?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
- When was CVE-2017-5551 published?
- CVE-2017-5551 was published on 2017-02-06 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=497de07d89c1410d76a15bec2bb41f24a2a89f31
- http://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3791
- http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.9.6
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2017/01/21/3
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/95717
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038053
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1416126
- https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/497de07d89c1410d76a15bec2bb41f24a2a89f31
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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