CVE-2019-15793

What it is

In shiftfs, a non-upstream patch to the Linux kernel included in the Ubuntu 5.0 and 5.3 kernel series, several locations which shift ids translate user/group ids before performing operations in the lower filesystem were translating them into init_user_ns, whereas they should have been translated into the s_user_ns for the lower filesystem. This resulted in using ids other than the intended ones in the lower fs, which likely did not map into the shifts s_user_ns. A local attacker could use this to possibly bypass discretionary access control permissions.

At a glance

Exploitability

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

Exploit odds

0.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2020-04-24 00:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 02:21 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-04-24 00:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 02:21 UTC

Exploit probability

0.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-538

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel 5.0
• Linux Kernel 5.3
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 18.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 19.04

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.5

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

None

Availability

None

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-2019-15793.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2019-15793. 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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