CVE-2017-15102

What it is

The tower_probe function in drivers/usb/misc/legousbtower.c in the Linux kernel before 4.8.1 allows local users (who are physically proximate for inserting a crafted USB device) to gain privileges by leveraging a write-what-where condition that occurs after a race condition and a NULL pointer dereference.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited with physical access 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

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

Timeline

1. 2017-11-15 21:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:07 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: 6.3 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2017-11-15 21:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:07 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-476 · NULL pointer dereference

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 4.8.1
• Redhat Enterprise Linux 5.0
• Redhat Enterprise Linux 6.0
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 12.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 14.04

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 6.3

Attack vector

Physical

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-2017-15102.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2017-15102. 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