Description
The Linux kernel 2.6.33.2 and earlier, when a ReiserFS filesystem exists, does not restrict read or write access to the .reiserfs_priv directory, which allows local users to gain privileges by modifying (1) extended attributes or (2) ACLs, as demonstrated by deleting a file under .reiserfs_priv/xattrs/.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
openSUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| openSUSE Tumbleweed | kernel-source | 4.8.13-1.1 | openSUSE-SU-2024:10128-1 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Exploit-DB 1
- ReiserFS (Linux Kernel 2.6.34-rc3 / RedHat / Ubuntu 9.10) - 'xattr' Local Privilege Escalation EDB-12130 · local · Apr 9, 2010 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- openSUSE-SU-2024:10128-1 kernel-debug-4.8.13-1.1 on GA media SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
References
- 39316 third-party-advisory
- 12130 exploit
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=568041
- 63601 vdb-entry
- 39344 vdb-entry
- [linux-kernel] 20100408 [PATCH #3] reiserfs: Fix permissions on .reiserfs_priv mailing-list
- kernel-reiserfs-privilege-escalation(57782) vdb-entry