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HighCISA KEVExploited in the wildPublic exploit

Linux kernel ptrace_link privilege escalation

IdentifiersCVE-2019-13272CWE-269

CVE-2019-13272 is a local privilege-escalation vulnerability in the Linux kernel before 5.1.17. The flaw is in ptrace_link in kernel/ptrace.c, which mishandles recording the credentials associated with a process establishing a ptrace relationship. In affected parent-child process scenarios, a parent process can drop privileges and call execve while the kernel incorrectly tracks the ptrace relationship and credentials. The issue is compounded by an object lifetime problem, which can also lead to a kernel panic, and by incorrect marking of a ptrace relationship as privileged. The vulnerability is exploitable via scenarios such as Polkit's pkexec helper used with PTRACE_TRACEME, allowing an unprivileged local attacker to leverage improper privilege inheritance and gain elevated privileges.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Successful exploitation allows a local unprivileged user to obtain root privileges on the affected system. In addition to full local privilege escalation, the object lifetime issue may also cause kernel instability or panic, resulting in denial of service.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

Where patching is not immediately possible, enabling SELinux deny_ptrace may provide a usable workaround in some environments, as noted in the provided content. More generally, restrict untrusted local code execution, minimize availability of setuid or privileged helper workflows such as pkexec where operationally feasible, and harden ptrace exposure through existing kernel security controls and LSM policy.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Upgrade the Linux kernel to version 5.1.17 or later, or apply the vendor backport/fix for CVE-2019-13272 provided by the relevant distribution. Ensure all affected kernels on systems that permit local user execution are updated, including container hosts and multi-user systems.
PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

5 valid exploits after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (4 hidden).

VALID 5 / 9 TOTALView more in app
CVE-2019-13272MaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository contains a local privilege escalation exploit for Linux kernel versions 4.10 up to 5.1.16, targeting CVE-2019-13272. The exploit is implemented in a single C file (CVE-2019-13272.c) and is accompanied by a README.md that explains the vulnerability and provides usage instructions. The exploit leverages a flaw in the ptrace credential handling logic, allowing a local user to gain root privileges by exploiting the interaction between ptrace and SUID binaries (notably pkexec and a set of known helper binaries). The code searches for suitable SUID helpers on the system, then uses ptrace to manipulate process credentials and ultimately spawns a root shell (/bin/bash). The README provides background on the vulnerability, affected kernel versions, and step-by-step compilation and usage instructions. No network endpoints are involved; all actions are performed locally. The exploit is operational and provides a working root shell if the target is vulnerable.

letsr00tDisclosed Nov 17, 2025clocal
ptrace-vulnMaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository contains a proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit for CVE-2019-13272, a Linux kernel vulnerability related to improper handling of ptrace. The repository consists of three files: a LICENSE, a README.md, and the main exploit code in poc.c. The C code forks a child process, uses ptrace to trace the child, and prints out the system call numbers made by the child process as it executes '/bin/echo'. This PoC demonstrates the ability to trace system calls, which is a key step in exploiting the referenced vulnerability. The README provides compilation and execution instructions, as well as a sample output. No network endpoints are present; the only fingerprintable endpoint is the use of '/bin/echo'. The exploit is local and requires the ability to execute code on the target system. The code is a basic PoC and does not provide a full privilege escalation or weaponized payload.

Chinmay1743Disclosed Sep 10, 2025clocal
CVE-2019-13272MaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository contains a local privilege escalation exploit for CVE-2019-13272, targeting Linux kernel versions 4.10 through 5.1.17. The exploit is implemented in a single C file (CVE-2019-13272.c) and leverages a flaw in the kernel's ptrace functionality, specifically in how credentials are handled during ptrace relationships. The exploit searches for known SUID helper binaries (such as pkexec and various desktop environment helpers) and uses them in conjunction with pkexec to escalate privileges. If successful, it spawns a root shell (/bin/bash). The README provides background on the vulnerability, usage instructions, and references to the original discovery. The exploit is operational and has been tested on multiple Linux distributions. No network endpoints are involved; the attack vector is purely local, requiring the attacker to execute the exploit on the target system.

jas502nDisclosed Jul 31, 2019clocal
CVE-2019-13272MaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository contains a local privilege escalation exploit for CVE-2019-13272, targeting Linux kernel versions 4.10 up to 5.1.16. The exploit is implemented in C (CVE-2019-13272.c) and leverages a flaw in the kernel's ptrace functionality in combination with polkit's pkexec and various SUID helper binaries. The exploit searches for known SUID helpers on the system, then uses ptrace and process manipulation to escalate privileges and spawn a root shell (/bin/bash). The README.md provides background on the vulnerability, usage instructions, and references to the original discovery and upstream advisories. The exploit is operational and has been tested on a wide range of Linux distributions and kernel versions. The main attack vector is local, requiring the attacker to execute the exploit on a vulnerable system. The code is self-contained and does not require a framework. The endpoints of interest are the various SUID helper binaries and pkexec, which are fingerprintable on target systems.

oneoyDisclosed Aug 7, 2019clocal
CVE-2019-13272MaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository contains a Python3 exploit for CVE-2019-13272, a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Linux PolicyKit (pkexec). The main file, CVE-2019-13272.py, is a standalone exploit that does not require external sources. It targets systems running vulnerable versions of Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora with specific kernel versions and an active PolKit agent. The exploit works by manipulating processes and leveraging PolicyKit helpers to escalate privileges. Upon successful exploitation, it spawns a root shell by executing /bin/bash with UID and GID set to 0. The code includes checks for the required environment, enumerates available PolicyKit helpers, and uses several system binaries and files as part of its operation. The README provides additional context, including affected distributions and kernel versions, and notes the requirement for an active PolKit agent. The exploit is operational and provides a working root shell if the target is vulnerable.

josemlwdfDisclosed Jun 20, 2024pythonlocal
EXPOSURE SURFACE

Affected products & vendors

Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.

VendorProductType
CanonicalUbuntu Linuxapplication
DebianDebian Linuxoperating_system
Fedora ProjectFedoraoperating_system
LinuxLinux Kerneloperating_system
NetAppActive Iq Unified Managerapplication
NetAppAff A700s Firmwareoperating_system
NetAppE-Series Performance Analyzerapplication
NetAppE-Series Santricity Os Controllerapplication
NetAppH410c Firmwareoperating_system
NetAppH610s Firmwareoperating_system
NetAppHci Compute Nodeoperating_system
NetAppHci Management Nodeapplication
NetAppService Processorapplication
NetAppSolidfireapplication
NetAppSteelstore Cloud Integrated Storageapplication
Red HatEnterprise Linuxoperating_system
Red HatEnterprise Linux For Arm 64operating_system
Red HatEnterprise Linux For Ibm Z Systemsoperating_system
Red HatEnterprise Linux For Real Timeoperating_system
Red HatEnterprise Linux For Real Time For Nfvoperating_system
Red HatEnterprise Linux For Real Time For Nfv Tusoperating_system
Red HatEnterprise Linux For Real Time Tusoperating_system

Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.

What this page doesn’t show

The version that knows your environment.

This page is what’s public. Mallory adds the parts that aren’t: which of your assets are affected, which adversaries are exploiting it right now, which detections to deploy, and what to do tonight.
Exposure mapping

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Threat actor evidence

Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.

Associated malware

Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.

Detection signatures1

YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.

Vendor-by-vendor mapping

Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.

Social activity4

Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.