CVE-2013-2094
Linux Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Linux Kernel
The perf_swevent_init function in kernel/events/core.c in the Linux kernel before 3.8.9 uses an incorrect integer data type, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted perf_event_open system call.
Exploitation status
CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Listed by CISA on 15 September 2022. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 6 October 2022.
EPSS — exploitation probability
FIRST puts the probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days at 47.7%, which is higher than 98.9% of all scored vulnerabilities. EPSS is a forecast of activity, not a measure of severity, and it is rescored daily.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2013-2094 being exploited by ransomware groups?
No ransomware group in this database is currently recorded as exploiting CVE-2013-2094.
What does CVE-2013-2094 affect?
CVE-2013-2094 affects Linux Kernel. The perf_swevent_init function in kernel/events/core.c in the Linux kernel before 3.8.9 uses an incorrect integer data type, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted perf_event_open system call.
How severe is CVE-2013-2094?
CVE-2013-2094 is rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 8.4. EPSS puts the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days at 47.7%, higher than 98.9% of all scored vulnerabilities. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a federal remediation deadline of 6 October 2022.
How should organisations respond to CVE-2013-2094?
Apply the vendor patch for Linux Kernel as the first priority, and treat any internet-facing instance as the most urgent. Because this vulnerability is associated with ransomware activity, also review whether the affected systems were reachable before patching, rather than assuming that patching alone closes the incident.