util-linux: Integer Overflow or Wraparound
CVE-2026-53615 is a high-severity integer overflow or wraparound vulnerability in util-linux, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.0 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected util-linux versions: < 2.41.4. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.18% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of util-linux you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Util-linux | util-linux | < 2.41.4 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- LowSome restricted data can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
util-linux is a random collection of Linux utilities. Before util-linux 2.41.4, `parse_dos_extended()` in `libblkid/src/partitions/dos.c` computes an extended-partition start sector with 32-bit addition and does not apply the extended-area bounds checks to the first two EBR entries. A local attacker who causes a crafted DOS extended-partition disk image or removable medium to be probed can wrap `cur_start + start` to sector zero and cause libblkid to report a false partition overlapping the MBR. This directly compromises the integrity of the reported partition metadata; disk modification or availability loss requires a separate downstream consumer to act on that metadata. This issue is fixed in 2.41.4.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Integer Overflow or Wraparound
The product performs a calculation that can produce an integer overflow or wraparound when the logic assumes that the resulting value will always be larger than the original value. This occurs when an integer value is incremented to a value that is too large to store in the associated representation. When this occurs, the value may become a very small or negative number.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Ensure that all protocols are strictly defined, such that all out-of-bounds behavior can be identified simply, and require strict conformance to the protocol.
- Use a language that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. If possible, choose a language or compiler that performs automatic bounds checking.
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. Use libraries or frameworks that make it easier to handle numbers without unexpected consequences. Examples include safe integer handling packages such as SafeInt (C++) or IntegerLib (C or C++).
More Integer Overflow or Wraparound vulnerabilities (CWE-190)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Other vulnerabilities in util-linux
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Integer Overflow or Wraparound vulnerabilities
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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