Linux Kernel OverlayFS setuid Capability Escalation Vulnerability
CVE-2023-0386 Published on March 22, 2023
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel, where unauthorized access to the execution of the setuid file with capabilities was found in the Linux kernels OverlayFS subsystem in how a user copies a capable file from a nosuid mount into another mount. This uid mapping bug allows a local user to escalate their privileges on the system.
Known Exploited Vulnerability
This Linux Kernel Improper Ownership Management Vulnerability is part of CISA's list of Known Exploited Vulnerabilities. Linux Kernel contains an improper ownership management vulnerability, where unauthorized access to the execution of the setuid file with capabilities was found in the Linux kernel’s OverlayFS subsystem in how a user copies a capable file from a nosuid mount into another mount. This uid mapping bug allows a local user to escalate their privileges on the system.
The following remediation steps are recommended / required by July 8, 2025: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2023-0386 is exploitable with local system access, and requires small amount of user privileges. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. This vulnerability is known to be actively exploited by threat actors. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to be very high.
Weakness Type
Improper Ownership Management
The software assigns the wrong ownership, or does not properly verify the ownership, of an object or resource.
Products Associated with CVE-2023-0386
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Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.