CVE-2023-0386 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 Jul 8, 2025
What to do
- 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.
- Be careful with unexpected attachments — documents, .zip/.rar files and shortcuts are common bait.
- 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 Improper Ownership Management Vulnerability
- Product
- Linux Kernel
- CISA description
- 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.
- Type of flaw
- Software flaw (CWE-282)
- Confirmed exploited
- Jun 17, 2025
- US federal patch deadline
- Jul 8, 2025
Ask Cleus about it
Ask about a vulnerability, an update, a weird message, or the news. Plain-word answers, free, no account.
Answering about CVE-2023-0386 ·
Questions about CVE-2023-0386
Is CVE-2023-0386 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-0386 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Jun 17, 2025, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2023-0386?
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-2023-0386?
Only if you use Linux Kernel. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.