CVE-2008-2931

Publication date 9 July 2008

Last updated 25 August 2025

Ubuntu priority

Low

Why this priority?

Cvss 3 Severity Score

7.8 · High

Score breakdown

Description

The do_change_type function in fs/namespace.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.22 does not verify that the caller has the CAP_SYS_ADMIN capability, which allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service by modifying the properties of a mountpoint.

From the Ubuntu Security Team

The do_change_type routine did not correctly validation administrative users. A local attacker could exploit this to block mount points or cause private mounts to be shared, leading to denial of service or a possible loss of privacy.

Status

Package Ubuntu Release Status
linux 8.04 LTS hardy
Not affected
7.10 gutsy Not in release
7.04 feisty Not in release
6.06 LTS dapper Not in release
linux-source-2.6.15 8.04 LTS hardy Not in release
7.10 gutsy Not in release
7.04 feisty Not in release
6.06 LTS dapper
Fixed 2.6.15-52.71
linux-source-2.6.20 8.04 LTS hardy Not in release
7.10 gutsy Not in release
7.04 feisty
Fixed 2.6.20-17.39
6.06 LTS dapper Not in release
linux-source-2.6.22 8.04 LTS hardy Not in release
7.10 gutsy
Not affected
7.04 feisty Not in release
6.06 LTS dapper Not in release

Severity score breakdown

CVSS version: CVSS v3.0

Base score 7.8 · High

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References

Related Ubuntu Security Notices (USN)

    • USN-637-1
    • Linux kernel vulnerabilities
    • 25 August 2008

Other references

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