CVE-2020-5291

What it is

Bubblewrap (bwrap) before version 0.4.1, if installed in setuid mode and the kernel supports unprivileged user namespaces, then the `bwrap --userns2` option can be used to make the setuid process keep running as root while being traceable. This can in turn be used to gain root permissions. Note that this only affects the combination of bubblewrap in setuid mode (which is typically used when unprivileged user namespaces are not supported) and the support of unprivileged user namespaces. Known to be affected are: * Debian testing/unstable, if unprivileged user namespaces enabled (not default) * Debian buster-backports, if unprivileged user namespaces enabled (not default) * Arch if using `linux-hardened`, if unprivileged user namespaces enabled (not default) * Centos 7 flatpak COPR, if unprivileged user namespaces enabled (not default) This has been fixed in the 0.4.1 release, and all affected users should update.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering.

Exploit odds

0.9% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2020-03-31 18:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 03:21 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.9% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.2 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2020-03-31 18:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 03:21 UTC

Exploit probability

0.9% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-648

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Projectatomic Bubblewrap < 0.4.1
• Debian Linux 10.0
• Archlinux Arch Linux
• Centos 7.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.2

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

Required

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

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-2020-5291.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2020-5291. 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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