CVE-2019-3901

What it is

A race condition in perf_event_open() allows local attackers to leak sensitive data from setuid programs. As no relevant locks (in particular the cred_guard_mutex) are held during the ptrace_may_access() call, it is possible for the specified target task to perform an execve() syscall with setuid execution before perf_event_alloc() actually attaches to it, allowing an attacker to bypass the ptrace_may_access() check and the perf_event_exit_task(current) call that is performed in install_exec_creds() during privileged execve() calls. This issue affects kernel versions before 4.8.

At a glance

Exploitability

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

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. 2019-04-22 16:29 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 02:35 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 4.7 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2019-04-22 16:29 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 02:35 UTC

Exploit probability

0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-667

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 4.8
• Debian Linux 8.0
• Netapp Active Iq Unified Manager For VMware Vsphere
• Netapp Hci Management Node
• Netapp Snapprotect
• Netapp Solidfire
• Netapp Storage Replication Adapter For Clustered Data Ontap For VMware Vsphere
• Netapp Vasa Provider For Clustered Data Ontap

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 4.7

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

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-2019-3901.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2019-3901. 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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