CVE-2019-5603

CVE-2019-5603 is a high-severity vulnerability in Freebsd 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-404.

Key facts

Description

In FreeBSD 12.0-STABLE before r350261, 12.0-RELEASE before 12.0-RELEASE-p8, 11.3-STABLE before r350263, 11.3-RELEASE before 11.3-RELEASE-p1, and 11.2-RELEASE before 11.2-RELEASE-p12, system calls operating on file descriptors as part of mqueuefs did not properly release the reference allowing a malicious user to overflow the counter allowing access to files, directories, and sockets opened by processes owned by other users.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-5603?
In FreeBSD 12.0-STABLE before r350261, 12.0-RELEASE before 12.0-RELEASE-p8, 11.3-STABLE before r350263, 11.3-RELEASE before 11.3-RELEASE-p1, and 11.2-RELEASE before 11.2-RELEASE-p12, system calls operating on file descriptors as part of mqueuefs did not properly release the reference allowing a malicious user to overflow the counter allowing access to files, directories, and sockets opened by processes owned by other users.
How severe is CVE-2019-5603?
CVE-2019-5603 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-2019-5603 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (46th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-5603?
CVE-2019-5603 primarily affects Freebsd. In total, 22 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-5603?
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-2019-5603 published?
CVE-2019-5603 was published on 2019-07-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (22)

More vulnerabilities in Freebsd

All CVEs affecting Freebsd →

Other CWE-404 vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-404 vulnerabilities →