CVE-2013-2094: Linux Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Published May 14, 2013
·
Updated

A flaw was found in the way index into perfsweventenabled array was sanitized.

A local unprivileged user can use this flaw to increase their privileges on the system.

Introduced by: http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=b0a873ebbf87bf38bf70b5e39a7cadc96099fa13

Upstream fix: http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=8176cced706b5e5d15887584150764894e94e02f

References: http://lkml.indiana.edu/hypermail/linux/kernel/1304.1/03652.html https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=5703758 http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/121616/semtex.c

Other sources

Linux kernel fails to check all 64 bits of attr.config passed by user space, resulting to out-of-bounds access of the perfsweventenabled array in swperfeventdestroy(). Explotation allows for privilege escalation.

CISA

The perfsweventinit 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 perfeventopen system call.

Launchpad

Affected Software

15 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Kernel
Linux Linux kernel<=3.8.8
Linux Linux kernel=3.8.0
Linux Linux kernel=3.8.1
Linux Linux kernel=3.8.2
Linux Linux kernel=3.8.3
Linux Linux kernel=3.8.4
Linux Linux kernel=3.8.5
Linux Linux kernel=3.8.6
Linux Linux kernel=3.8.7
Linux Linux kernel<3.0.75
Linux Linux kernel>=3.1<3.2.45
Linux Linux kernel>=3.3<3.4.42
Linux Linux kernel>=3.5<3.8.9
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-16.12.27-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.10.223-1Fixed in 5.10.234-1Fixed in 6.1.129-1Fixed in 6.1.135-1Fixed in 6.12.25-1Fixed in 6.12.27-1
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.10.223-1
  3. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.10.234-1
  4. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.1.129-1
  5. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.1.135-1
  6. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.12.25-1
  7. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.12.27-1
  8. Upgrade

    Upgrade Linux kernel to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 3.8.9
  9. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch 8176cced706b5e5d15887584150764894e94e02f
  10. Upgrade

    Upgrade to a fixed release to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch b0a873ebbf87bf38bf70b5e39a7cadc96099fa13

Event History

May 14, 2013
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·01:01 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
CVE Published
via MITRE·08:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·08:00 PM
Description
Sep 15, 2022
Known Exploited
via CISA·12:00 AM
Jan 11, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·10:01 PM
Description
Sep 16, 2024
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·12:57 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Apr 24, 2025
Data Sourced
via Debian·02:07 AM
DescriptionAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2013-2094?

CVE-2013-2094 has a moderate severity level as it allows local unprivileged users to potentially escalate their privileges.

2

How do I fix CVE-2013-2094?

To fix CVE-2013-2094, upgrade to a patched version of the Linux kernel listed in the vulnerability details.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2013-2094?

CVE-2013-2094 affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel from versions prior to 3.9 and specific versions up to 6.12.10.

4

Who discovered CVE-2013-2094?

CVE-2013-2094 was discovered in the Linux kernel by the open-source community during routine audits.

5

Is there a workaround for CVE-2013-2094?

There are no specific workarounds for CVE-2013-2094; updating the kernel is the recommended action.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203