CVE-2017-5940

What it is

Firejail before 0.9.44.6 and 0.9.38.x LTS before 0.9.38.10 LTS does not comprehensively address dotfile cases during its attempt to prevent accessing user files with an euid of zero, which allows local users to conduct sandbox-escape attacks via vectors involving a symlink and the --private option. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2017-5180.

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

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

Timeline

1. 2017-02-09 18:59 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 01:21 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: 8.8 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2017-02-09 18:59 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 01:21 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-269 · Improper privilege management

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Firejail Project Firejail ≤ 0.9.38.10
• Firejail Project Firejail ≤ 0.9.44.6

Attack profile CVSS 3.0 · 8.8

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

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-2017-5940.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2017-5940. 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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