CVE-2013-4288

What it is

Race condition in PolicyKit (aka polkit) allows local users to bypass intended PolicyKit restrictions and gain privileges by starting a setuid or pkexec process before the authorization check is performed, related to (1) the polkit_unix_process_new API function, (2) the dbus API, or (3) the --process (unix-process) option for authorization to pkcheck.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2013-10-03 21:55 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 23:56 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.2 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2013-10-03 21:55 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 23:56 UTC

Exploit probability

0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-362 · Race condition

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Opensuse 12.2
• Opensuse 12.3
• Polkit Project Polkit < 0.112.1
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 10.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 12.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 12.10
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 13.04
• Redhat Enterprise Linux 6.0

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 7.2

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

Complete

Integrity

Complete

Availability

Complete

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2013-4288.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2013-4288. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

Copy as ticket · More options · Status badge