CVE-2019-5606

CVE-2019-5606 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-416.

Key facts

Description

In FreeBSD 12.0-STABLE before r349805, 12.0-RELEASE before 12.0-RELEASE-p8, 11.3-STABLE before r349806, 11.3-RELEASE before 11.3-RELEASE-p1, and 11.2-RELEASE before 11.2-RELEASE-p12, code which handles close of a descriptor created by posix_openpt fails to undo a signal configuration. This causes an incorrect signal to be raised leading to a write after free of kernel memory allowing a malicious user to gain root privileges or escape a jail.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-5606?
In FreeBSD 12.0-STABLE before r349805, 12.0-RELEASE before 12.0-RELEASE-p8, 11.3-STABLE before r349806, 11.3-RELEASE before 11.3-RELEASE-p1, and 11.2-RELEASE before 11.2-RELEASE-p12, code which handles close of a descriptor created by posix_openpt fails to undo a signal configuration. This causes an incorrect signal to be raised leading to a write after free of kernel memory allowing a malicious user to gain root privileges or escape a jail.
How severe is CVE-2019-5606?
CVE-2019-5606 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-2019-5606 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (44th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-5606?
CVE-2019-5606 primarily affects Freebsd. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-5606?
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-2019-5606 published?
CVE-2019-5606 was published on 2019-07-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

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