Description
The nginx package before 1.6.2-5+deb8u3 on Debian jessie, the nginx packages before 1.4.6-1ubuntu3.6 on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, before 1.10.0-0ubuntu0.16.04.3 on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, and before 1.10.1-0ubuntu1.1 on Ubuntu 16.10, and the nginx ebuild before 1.10.2-r3 on Gentoo allow local users with access to the web server user account to gain root privileges via a symlink attack on the error log.
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 | nginx | 1.10.2-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | nginx | 1.10.2-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | nginx | 1.10.2-1 | — |
| Debian 8 | nginx | 1.6.2-5+deb8u3 | DSA-3701-1 |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | nginx | 1.10.0-0ubuntu0.16.04.3 | USN-3114-1 |
| Ubuntu 14.04 LTS | nginx | 1.4.6-1ubuntu3.6 | USN-3114-1 |
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
- Nginx (Debian Based Distros + Gentoo) - 'logrotate' Local Privilege Escalation EDB-40768 · local · Nov 16, 2016
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 5
- DSA-3701-1 nginx - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- USN-3114-1 nginx vulnerability Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Feb 10, 2026
- VDE-2019-009 PHOENIX CONTACT: Multiple Vulnerabilities in AXC F 2152 CERT@VDE · May 22, 2025
- WID-SEC-2023-2488 Nginx: Schwachstelle ermöglicht Privilegieneskalation BSI CERT-Bund (WID) · Sep 27, 2023
- ICSA-19-155-01 PHOENIX CONTACT PLCNext AXC F 2152 CISA ICS & IT advisories · Jun 4, 2019
References
- 40768 exploit
- 20161121 Nginx (Debian-based distros) - Root Privilege Escalation (CVE-2016-1247) mailing-list
- DSA-3701 vendor-advisory
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTswN1k1fQs
- 93903 vdb-entry
- https://legalhackers.com/advisories/Nginx-Exploit-Deb-Root-PrivEsc-CVE-2016-1247.html
- USN-3114-1 vendor-advisory
- 20170113 Nginx (Debian-based + Gentoo distros) - Root Privilege Escalation [CVE-2016-1247 UPDATE] mailing-list
- GLSA-201701-22 vendor-advisory
- 1037104 vdb-entry
- 20161116 Nginx (Debian-based distros) - Root Privilege Escalation Vulnerability (CVE-2016-1247) mailing-list
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/139750/Nginx-Debian-Based-Distros-Root-Privilege-Escalation.html
- FEDORA-2021-10c1cd4cba vendor-advisory
- FEDORA-2021-1556d440ba vendor-advisory
- FEDORA-2021-3aa9ac7fd1 vendor-advisory