CVE-2019-13272
Published: December 10, 2021
Official Description
Kernel/ptrace.c in Linux kernel mishandles contains an improper privilege management vulnerability that allows local users to obtain root access.
CISA KEV Advisory
Linux Kernel Improper Privilege Management Vulnerability
Kernel/ptrace.c in Linux kernel mishandles contains an improper privilege management vulnerability that allows local users to obtain root access.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ptrace functionality allows a local attacker to escalate their privileges to root. With an EPSS score of 0.81252 and confirmed exploitation in the wild, this is a critical issue that requires immediate attention to prevent unauthorized system control.
Active exploitation of this vulnerability has been observed in the wild, and it is listed in CISA's KEV catalog, indicating a high likelihood of successful attacks.
System administrators should apply the latest security patches for their Linux kernel to address this privilege escalation vulnerability. Regularly updating and hardening Linux systems is crucial for maintaining security.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2019-13272 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2019-13272 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2019-13272 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1