CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-76642NVD status: Awaiting Analysis

util-linux: Detection of Error Condition Without Action

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2026-76642 is a high-severity detection of error condition without action vulnerability in util-linux, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 2.41.6, 2.42.3 as the first without the flaw, so updating util-linux to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.22% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update util-linux to 2.41.6 or 2.42.3, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Util-linuxutil-linux2.39 up to, but not including, 2.41.6; 2.42 up to, but not including, 2.42.32.41.6, 2.42.3

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
LowA basic user account is enough.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component 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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 4.08.5HighCNA (vulncheck.com)
CVSS 3.17.8HighCNA (vulncheck.com)

Official description

util-linux versions through 2.41.5 and 2.42.2 fail to check mount helper exit status before running post-mount hooks, allowing unprivileged users to execute privileged operations on pre-existing filesystems. Attackers can exploit X-mount.idmap or X-mount.owner hooks to clone filesystems with inherited suid bits or modify target inode permissions after a helper fails, achieving privilege escalation.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Detection of Error Condition Without Action

The product detects a specific error, but takes no actions to handle the error.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Properly handle each exception. This is the recommended solution. Ensure that all exceptions are handled in such a way that you can be sure of the state of your system at any given moment.
  • If a function returns an error, it is important to either fix the problem and try again, alert the user that an error has happened and let the program continue, or alert the user and close and cleanup the program.
  • Subject the product to extensive testing to discover some of the possible instances of where/how errors or return values are not handled. Consider testing techniques such as ad hoc, equivalence partitioning, robustness and fault tolerance, mutation, and fuzzing.

More Detection of Error Condition Without Action vulnerabilities (CWE-390)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in util-linux

All util-linux vulnerabilities

Recent Detection of Error Condition Without Action vulnerabilities

Spotted an error? Tell us.