Description
A flaw in systemd v228 in /src/basic/fs-util.c caused world writable suid files to be created when using the systemd timers features, allowing local attackers to escalate their privileges to root. This is fixed in v229.
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.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | systemd | 229-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | systemd | 229-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | systemd | 229-1 | — |
SUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES 12 SP2 | systemd | 228-132.1 | SUSE-SU-2017:0279-1 |
Show 1 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES for SAP 12 SP2 | systemd | 228-132.1 | SUSE-SU-2017:0279-1 |
openSUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| openSUSE Tumbleweed | systemd | 249.4-2.2 | openSUSE-SU-2024:11420-1 |
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.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 1
- Systemd 228 (SUSE 12 SP2 / Ubuntu Touch 15.04) - Local Privilege Escalation EDB-41171 · local · Jan 24, 2017
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 2
- SUSE-SU-2017:0279-1 Security update for systemd SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
- openSUSE-SU-2024:11420-1 libsystemd0-249.4-2.2 on GA media SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026