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CVE-2012-0217 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in x86-64 kernel system-call return handling on Intel processors. Affected operating systems and hypervisors, including Xen 4.1.2 and earlier and multiple downstream products, incorrectly use the SYSRET path when returning from a system call even when the target RIP is a non-canonical address. On Intel CPUs, executing SYSRET with a non-canonical return address causes an exception to be delivered in an unsafe processor state. This can allow a local userland process to transition into kernel or hypervisor context with elevated privileges. In Xen, the issue is especially severe because a 64-bit PV guest kernel running on a 64-bit hypervisor can exploit the flaw to escape the guest and obtain host-level privileges.
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1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (2 hidden).
This repository contains a single Metasploit module: 'FreeBSD Intel SYSRET Privilege Escalation' (modules/exploits/freebsd/local/intel_sysret_priv_esc.rb). The module exploits CVE-2012-0217, a vulnerability in the FreeBSD kernel on 64-bit Intel processors, specifically on FreeBSD 8.3-RELEASE and 9.0-RELEASE (amd64). The exploit works by uploading and compiling a C exploit on the target, then executing it to escalate privileges to root. After successful exploitation, it executes a payload (default: reverse shell) as root. The module requires local shell access to the target, a writable directory (default: /tmp), and a C compiler. The code includes checks for the correct FreeBSD version, architecture, and processor type. The exploit is operational and leverages Metasploit's payload system for post-exploitation actions. No network endpoints are hardcoded; the main fingerprintable endpoint is the use of /tmp for file operations.
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6 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
A privilege escalation vulnerability in FreeBSD/amd64 due to insufficient sanity checks when returning from a system call, allowing local users to escalate privileges, corrupt kernel data, or crash the system.
A vulnerability in x86-64 kernel system-call functionality affecting Xen 4.1.2 and earlier.
Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.
Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.
Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.
YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.
Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.