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Exploited in the wildComputers & everyday appsCould reach you

CVE-2016-5195 Linux Kernel: software flaw

In plain words: A mistake in the software that attackers have found a way to abuse. Depends on the product — see the description and the vendor advisory.

Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Mar 24, 2022

What to do

  1. Install Linux's security update for Kernel. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
  2. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.
  3. Be careful with unexpected attachments — documents, .zip/.rar files and shortcuts are common bait.
  4. Use a normal (non-admin) account day to day and keep built-in protection like Microsoft Defender on.

Who is affected

Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.

What's at risk: Your files, saved passwords and accounts. Many of these let a program that is already running gain full administrator control.

The details

Official name
Linux Kernel Race Condition Vulnerability
Product
Linux Kernel
CISA description
Race condition in mm/gup.c in the Linux kernel allows local users to escalate privileges.
Type of flaw
Software flaw (CWE-362)
Confirmed exploited
Mar 3, 2022
US federal patch deadline
Mar 24, 2022

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Answering about CVE-2016-5195 ·

Questions about CVE-2016-5195

Is CVE-2016-5195 being exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2016-5195 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Mar 3, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.

How do I fix CVE-2016-5195?

Install Linux's security update for Kernel. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Turn on automatic updates for the operating system and for Office, PDF and archive apps.

Am I affected by CVE-2016-5195?

Only if you use Linux Kernel. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.

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