CVE-2015-8709

What it is

kernel/ptrace.c in the Linux kernel through 4.4.1 mishandles uid and gid mappings, which allows local users to gain privileges by establishing a user namespace, waiting for a root process to enter that namespace with an unsafe uid or gid, and then using the ptrace system call. NOTE: the vendor states "there is no kernel bug here.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

No patch or advisory is linked yet. Look at mitigations or restrict exposure.

Timeline

1. 2016-02-08 03:59 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 00:35 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.0 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: none linked yet, which raises it.

Details

Published

2016-02-08 03:59 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 00:35 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-264

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel ≤ 4.4.1

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 7.0

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

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-2015-8709.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2015-8709. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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