How severe is CVE-2019-5596?

CVE-2019-5596 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, 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-2019-5596 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (65th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2019-5596?

CVE-2019-5596 primarily affects Freebsd. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2019-5596?

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-2019-5596 published?

CVE-2019-5596 was published on 2019-02-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2019-5596

CVE-2019-5596 is a high-severity vulnerability in Freebsd with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
CVSS v2: 7.2
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (65th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Freebsd
Published: 2019-02-12
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In FreeBSD 11.2-STABLE after r338618 and before r343786, 12.0-STABLE before r343781, and 12.0-RELEASE before 12.0-RELEASE-p3, a bug in the reference count implementation for UNIX domain sockets can cause a file structure to be incorrectly released potentially allowing a malicious local user to gain root privileges or escape from a jail.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-5596?: In FreeBSD 11.2-STABLE after r338618 and before r343786, 12.0-STABLE before r343781, and 12.0-RELEASE before 12.0-RELEASE-p3, a bug in the reference count implementation for UNIX domain sockets can cause a file structure to be incorrectly released potentially allowing a malicious local user to gain root privileges or escape from a jail.
How severe is CVE-2019-5596?: CVE-2019-5596 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, 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-2019-5596 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (65th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-5596?: CVE-2019-5596 primarily affects Freebsd. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-5596?: 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-2019-5596 published?: CVE-2019-5596 was published on 2019-02-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:freebsd:freebsd:11.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:freebsd:freebsd:12.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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