CVE-2024-38531

CVE-2024-38531 is a low-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 3.6. 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-278.

Key facts

Description

Nix is a package manager for Linux and other Unix systems that makes package management reliable and reproducible. A build process has access to and can change the permissions of the build directory. After creating a setuid binary in a globally accessible location, a malicious local user can assume the permissions of a Nix daemon worker and hijack all future builds. This issue was patched in version(s) 2.23.1, 2.22.2, 2.21.3, 2.20.7, 2.19.5 and 2.18.4.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2024-38531?
Nix is a package manager for Linux and other Unix systems that makes package management reliable and reproducible. A build process has access to and can change the permissions of the build directory. After creating a setuid binary in a globally accessible location, a malicious local user can assume the permissions of a Nix daemon worker and hijack all future builds. This issue was patched in version(s) 2.23.1, 2.22.2, 2.21.3, 2.20.7, 2.19.5 and 2.18.4.
How severe is CVE-2024-38531?
CVE-2024-38531 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 3.6, rated low severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity low, and availability low.
Is CVE-2024-38531 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (4th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2024-38531?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2024-38531 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2024-38531 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2024-37395.
When was CVE-2024-38531 published?
CVE-2024-38531 was published on 2024-06-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

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