CVE-2019-5188

What it is

A code execution vulnerability exists in the directory rehashing functionality of E2fsprogs e2fsck 1.45.4. A specially crafted ext4 directory can cause an out-of-bounds write on the stack, resulting in code execution. An attacker can corrupt a partition to trigger this vulnerability.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with an admin-level account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

1.1% 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. 2020-01-08 16:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-14 07:16 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.1% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.5 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: none linked yet, which raises it.

Details

Published

2020-01-08 16:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-14 07:16 UTC

Exploit probability

1.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-787 · Out-of-bounds write

Record status

Modified

Affected

• e2fsprogs Project e2fsprogs ≤ 1.45.4
• Fedoraproject Fedora 30
• Fedoraproject Fedora 31
• Debian Linux 8.0
• Debian Linux 9.0
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 12.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 14.04
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 16.04

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.5

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

High

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-2019-5188.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2019-5188. 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