Util linux: [Local Privilege Escalation via TOCTOU in mount(8) - Target Path Redirection] (CVE-2026-53613)
Description
A local privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the mount(8) utility of util-linux due to a time-of-check to time-of-use (TOCTOU) flaw involving target path redirection. This vulnerability allows a local attacker with limited privileges to escalate their privileges. The issue affects multiple versions of util-linux as used in various Ubuntu releases. A fix is available and has been released by Ubuntu.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.0high
Affected software
pkg:deb/ubuntu/util-linux?arch=source&distro=trustypkg:deb/ubuntu/util-linux?arch=source&distro=esm-infra/xenialpkg:deb/ubuntu/util-linux?arch=source&distro=bionicpkg:deb/ubuntu/util-linux?arch=source&distro=esm-infra/focalpkg:deb/ubuntu/util-linux?arch=source&distro=jammypkg:deb/ubuntu/util-linux?arch=source&distro=noblepkg:deb/ubuntu/util-linux?arch=source&distro=questingpkg:deb/ubuntu/util-linux?arch=source&distro=stonkingpkg:deb/ubuntu/util-linux?arch=source&distro=resoluteRun on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-53613 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the mount(8) command of util-linux caused by a TOCTOU race condition related to target path redirection. This flaw allows a local attacker with low privileges to potentially gain higher privileges by exploiting the timing window between checking and using a file system path. The vulnerability affects numerous versions of util-linux across multiple Ubuntu releases. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.0, indicating a medium severity with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. A patch addressing this vulnerability has been made available by Ubuntu.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges, potentially gaining root-level access. The CVSS score of 7.0 reflects a medium severity with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Mitigation Recommendations
An official patch is available and should be applied promptly. Refer to the Ubuntu security notice USN-8702-1 for the updated packages and remediation instructions. Systems running affected versions of util-linux should be updated to the fixed versions provided by Ubuntu.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- UBUNTU-CVE-2026-53613
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.0
- Ecosystems
- ["Ubuntu:14.04:LTS","Ubuntu:Pro:16.04:LTS","Ubuntu:18.04:LTS","Ubuntu:Pro:20.04:LTS","Ubuntu:22.04:LTS","Ubuntu:24.04:LTS","Ubuntu:25.10","Ubuntu:26.10","Ubuntu:26.04:LTS"]
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Patch Information
Threat ID: 6ad3f6032cdf04f656664018
Added to database: 10/17/2026, 22:26:11 UTC
Last enriched: 10/18/2026, 00:54:53 UTC
Last updated: 10/18/2026, 00:54:53 UTC
Views: 3
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