--- title: "CVE-2016-5195: Race condition in mm/gup.c in the Linux… | CubePath" description: "Race condition in mm/gup.c in the Linux kernel 2.x through 4.x before 4.8.3 allows local users to gain privileges by leveraging incorrect handling…" language: en source: https://cubepath.com/security/cve/CVE-2016-5195 --- # CVE-2016-5195: Race condition in mm/gup.c in the Linux… | CubePath ## Description Race condition in mm/gup.c in the Linux kernel 2.x through 4.x before 4.8.3 allows local users to gain privileges by leveraging incorrect handling of a copy-on-write (COW) feature to write to a read-only memory mapping, as exploited in the wild in October 2016, aka "Dirty COW." Official description from the CVE record, published by Chrome. Copyright © 1999-2026 The MITRE Corporation. See [/security/cve/legal](https://cubepath.com/security/cve/legal) for the CVE license. [View the record on cve.org](https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2016-5195) ## Key data ### CVSS 3.1 High 7.0 Score published by CISA-ADP in the CVE record. CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H | Metric | Value | What it means | | ---------------------- | --------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Attack vector | Local | The attacker needs local access to the system, or to trick a user into running something. | | Attack complexity | High | The attack depends on conditions outside the attacker's control, so it takes preparation. | | Privileges required | Low | A basic user account is needed. | | User interaction | None | No action from any user is needed. | | Scope | Unchanged | The impact stays within the vulnerable component. | | Confidentiality impact | High | Serious or total effect on the secrecy of data. | | Integrity impact | High | Serious or total effect on the trustworthiness of data. | | Availability impact | High | Serious or total effect on availability. | CVSS is owned and managed by FIRST.Org, Inc. (FIRST) and is used by permission. Each CVSS score on this site is shown together with its vector string, as published in the CVE record by the source named next to it. Learn more at [first.org/cvss](https://www.first.org/cvss/) . ### EPSS Exploit Prediction Scoring System by FIRST: an estimate of the probability that exploitation activity will be observed in the next 30 days. Score 0.83524 (83.5% probability) Percentile 99.7% Scores of Nov 10, 2026 Model v2026.06.15 ### CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities This CVE is listed in the CISA KEV catalog. Name in the catalog Linux Kernel Race Condition Vulnerability Added to the catalog Mar 3, 2022 Federal due date Mar 24, 2022 ### CISA assessment as of Jan 29, 2025 Stakeholder-Specific Vulnerability Categorization (SSVC) decision points added by CISA. Exploitation Recorded by CISA as active Automatable no Technical impact total ### Weakness (CWE) CWE catalog version 5.0. CWE names: Copyright © 2006-2026, The MITRE Corporation. See [/security/cve/legal](https://cubepath.com/security/cve/legal) for the CWE license. - [CWE-362](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/362.html) Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization ## References Links listed in the CVE record. They lead to other sites, which CubePath does not control. - [RHSA-2016:2107](http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2107.html) (rhn.redhat.com) vendor-advisory - [40616](https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40616/) (exploit-db.com) exploit - [RHSA-2017:0372](https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:0372) (access.redhat.com) vendor-advisory - [bto.bluecoat.com/security-advisory/sa134](https://bto.bluecoat.com/security-advisory/sa134) - [h20566.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/kb/docDisplay?d…](https://h20566.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/kb/docDisplay?docId=emr%5Fna-c05352241) - [oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujul2018-4258247…](http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/security-advisory/cpujul2018-4258247.html) - [40839](https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40839/) (exploit-db.com) exploit - [dirtycow.ninja](https://dirtycow.ninja) - [40847](https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40847/) (exploit-db.com) exploit - [RHSA-2016:2118](http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2118.html) (rhn.redhat.com) vendor-advisory - [RHSA-2016:2128](http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2128.html) (rhn.redhat.com) vendor-advisory - [source.android.com/security/bulletin/2016-12-01.html](https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2016-12-01.html) - [RHSA-2016:2120](http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2120.html) (rhn.redhat.com) vendor-advisory - [\[oss-security\] 20161026 Re: CVE-2016-5195 "Dirty COW" Linux kernel privilege escalation vulnerability](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/10/26/7) (openwall.com) mailing-list - [RHSA-2016:2133](http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2133.html) (rhn.redhat.com) vendor-advisory - [RHSA-2016:2098](http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2098.html) (rhn.redhat.com) vendor-advisory - [h20566.www2.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en\_US…](https://h20566.www2.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en%5FUS&docId=emr%5Fna-hpesbgn03761en%5Fus) - [VU#243144](https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/243144) (kb.cert.org) third-party-advisory - [bugzilla.suse.com/show\_bug.cgi?id=1004418](https://bugzilla.suse.com/show%5Fbug.cgi?id=1004418) - [1037078](http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037078) (securitytracker.com) vdb-entry - [people.canonical.com/\~ubuntu-security/cve/2016/CVE-2016-519…](https://people.canonical.com/~ubuntu-security/cve/2016/CVE-2016-5195.html) - [h20566.www2.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en\_US…](https://h20566.www2.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en%5FUS&docId=emr%5Fna-hpesbgn03722en%5Fus) - [security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20161025-0001](https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20161025-0001/) - [93793](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93793) (securityfocus.com) vdb-entry - [RHSA-2016:2127](http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2127.html) (rhn.redhat.com) vendor-advisory - [security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2016-5195](https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2016-5195) - [github.com/dirtycow/dirtycow.github.io/wiki/PoCs](https://github.com/dirtycow/dirtycow.github.io/wiki/PoCs) - [h20566.www2.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en\_US…](https://h20566.www2.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en%5FUS&docId=emr%5Fna-hpesbgn03742en%5Fus) - [github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/19be0eaffa3ac7d8eb6784ad9b…](https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/19be0eaffa3ac7d8eb6784ad9bdbc7d67ed8e619) - [help.ecostruxureit.com/display/public/UADCO8x/StruxureWare+…](https://help.ecostruxureit.com/display/public/UADCO8x/StruxureWare+Data+Center+Operation+Software+Vulnerability+Fixes) - [github.com/dirtycow/dirtycow.github.io/wiki/VulnerabilityDe…](https://github.com/dirtycow/dirtycow.github.io/wiki/VulnerabilityDetails) - [bugzilla.redhat.com/show\_bug.cgi?id=1384344](https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show%5Fbug.cgi?id=1384344) - [access.redhat.com/security/vulnerabilities/2706661](https://access.redhat.com/security/vulnerabilities/2706661) - [RHSA-2016:2106](http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2106.html) (rhn.redhat.com) vendor-advisory - [git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/com…](http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=19be0eaffa3ac7d8eb6784ad9bdbc7d67ed8e619) - [40611](https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40611/) (exploit-db.com) exploit - [access.redhat.com/security/cve/cve-2016-5195](https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/cve-2016-5195) - [source.android.com/security/bulletin/2016-11-01.html](https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2016-11-01.html) - [h20566.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/kb/docDisplay?d…](https://h20566.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/kb/docDisplay?docId=emr%5Fna-c05347541) - [RHSA-2016:2124](http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2124.html) (rhn.redhat.com) vendor-advisory - [kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.8.3](http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.8.3) - [RHSA-2016:2105](http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2105.html) (rhn.redhat.com) vendor-advisory - [RHSA-2016:2126](http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2126.html) (rhn.redhat.com) vendor-advisory - [RHSA-2016:2132](http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2132.html) (rhn.redhat.com) vendor-advisory - [RHSA-2016:2110](http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2110.html) (rhn.redhat.com) vendor-advisory - [h20566.www2.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en\_US…](https://h20566.www2.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en%5FUS&docId=emr%5Fna-hpesbgn03707en%5Fus) - [h20566.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/kb/docDisplay?d…](https://h20566.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/kb/docDisplay?docId=emr%5Fna-c05341463) - [kc.mcafee.com/corporate/index?page=content&id=SB10176](https://kc.mcafee.com/corporate/index?page=content&id=SB10176) - [SUSE-SU-2016:2635](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00055.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [SUSE-SU-2016:2659](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00067.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [\[oss-security\] 20161027 CVE-2016-5195 test case](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/10/27/13) (openwall.com) mailing-list - [USN-3106-2](http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3106-2) (ubuntu.com) vendor-advisory - [openSUSE-SU-2016:2583](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00034.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [packetstormsecurity.com/files/139277/Kernel-Live-Patch-Secu…](http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/139277/Kernel-Live-Patch-Security-Notice-LSN-0012-1.html) - [SUSE-SU-2016:2633](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00053.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [huawei.com/en/psirt/security-advisories/huawei-sa-20161207-…](http://www.huawei.com/en/psirt/security-advisories/huawei-sa-20161207-01-dirtycow-en) - [SUSE-SU-2016:2638](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00058.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [openSUSE-SU-2016:2584](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00035.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [packetstormsecurity.com/files/142151/Kernel-Live-Patch-Secu…](http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/142151/Kernel-Live-Patch-Security-Notice-LSN-0021-1.html) - [SUSE-SU-2016:2658](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00066.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [SUSE-SU-2016:2631](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00051.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [USN-3106-3](http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3106-3) (ubuntu.com) vendor-advisory - [h20566.www2.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en\_US…](https://h20566.www2.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docLocale=en%5FUS&docId=emr%5Fna-c05352241) - [SUSE-SU-2016:2655](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00064.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [FEDORA-2016-c3558808cd](https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/W3APRVDVPDBXLH4DC5UKZVCR742MJIM3/) (lists.fedoraproject.org) vendor-advisory - [20170615 \[security bulletin\] HPESBGN03761 rev.1 - HPE Virtualization Performance Viewer (VPV)/ Cloud Optimizer using Linux, Remote Escalation of Privilege](http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/archive/1/540736/100/0/threaded) (securityfocus.com) mailing-list - [SUSE-SU-2016:2637](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00057.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [SUSE-SU-2016:2596](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00040.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [SUSE-SU-2016:2634](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00054.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [20181107 Cisco TelePresence Video Communication Server Test Validation Script Issue](https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20181107-vcsd) (tools.cisco.com) vendor-advisory - [20161026 Vulnerability in Linux Kernel Affecting Cisco Products: October 2016](http://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20161026-linux) (tools.cisco.com) vendor-advisory - [kb.juniper.net/InfoCenter/index?page=content&id=JSA10770](http://kb.juniper.net/InfoCenter/index?page=content&id=JSA10770) - [kc.mcafee.com/corporate/index?page=content&id=SB10177](https://kc.mcafee.com/corporate/index?page=content&id=SB10177) - [SUSE-SU-2016:2657](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00065.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [SUSE-SU-2016:2614](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00045.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [USN-3105-2](http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3105-2) (ubuntu.com) vendor-advisory - [USN-3107-1](http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3107-1) (ubuntu.com) vendor-advisory - [kb.juniper.net/InfoCenter/index?page=content&id=JSA10774](http://kb.juniper.net/InfoCenter/index?page=content&id=JSA10774) - [USN-3107-2](http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3107-2) (ubuntu.com) vendor-advisory - [20170331 \[security bulletin\] HPESBGN03722 rev.1 - HPE Operations Agent, Local Escalation of Privilege](http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/540344/100/0/threaded) (securityfocus.com) mailing-list - [openSUSE-SU-2016:2625](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00048.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [USN-3106-1](http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3106-1) (ubuntu.com) vendor-advisory - [USN-3106-4](http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3106-4) (ubuntu.com) vendor-advisory - [\[oss-security\] 20161030 Re: CVE-2016-5195 test case](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/10/30/1) (openwall.com) mailing-list - [packetstormsecurity.com/files/139923/Linux-Kernel-Dirty-COW…](http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/139923/Linux-Kernel-Dirty-COW-PTRACE%5FPOKEDATA-Privilege-Escalation.html) - [SUSE-SU-2016:2673](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00072.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [USN-3104-2](http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3104-2) (ubuntu.com) vendor-advisory - [fortiguard.com/advisory/FG-IR-16-063](http://fortiguard.com/advisory/FG-IR-16-063) - [kb.juniper.net/InfoCenter/index?page=content&id=JSA10807](http://kb.juniper.net/InfoCenter/index?page=content&id=JSA10807) - [SUSE-SU-2016:2629](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00049.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [20161020 \[CVE-2016-5195\] "Dirty COW" Linux privilege escalation vulnerability](http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/539611/100/0/threaded) (securityfocus.com) mailing-list - [packetstormsecurity.com/files/139922/Linux-Kernel-Dirty-COW…](http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/139922/Linux-Kernel-Dirty-COW-PTRACE%5FPOKEDATA-Privilege-Escalation.html) - [SUSE-SU-2016:2632](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00052.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [20170310 \[security bulletin\] HPESBGN03707 rev.1 - HPE ConvergedSystem 700 2.0 VMware Kit, Remote Increase of Privilege](http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/archive/1/540252/100/0/threaded) (securityfocus.com) mailing-list - [USN-3105-1](http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-3105-1) (ubuntu.com) vendor-advisory - [packetstormsecurity.com/files/139286/DirtyCow-Linux-Kernel-…](http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/139286/DirtyCow-Linux-Kernel-Race-Condition.html) - [SUSE-SU-2016:2630](http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-10/msg00050.html) (lists.opensuse.org) vendor-advisory - [FEDORA-2016-db4b75b352](https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/E7M62SRP6CZLJ4ZXCRZKV4WPLQBSR7DT/) (lists.fedoraproject.org) vendor-advisory - [FEDORA-2016-c8a0c7eece](https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/NWMDLBWMGZKFHMRJ7QUQVCERP5QHDB6W/) (lists.fedoraproject.org) vendor-advisory - [\[oss-security\] 20161103 Re: CVE-2016-5195 "Dirty COW" Linux kernel privilege escalation vulnerability](http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/11/03/7) (openwall.com) mailing-list and 27 more in the [record on cve.org](https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2016-5195) ## Timeline 1. ID reserved May 31, 2016 2. Record published Nov 10, 2016 3. Added to CISA KEV Mar 3, 2022 4. Record last updated Nov 4, 2025 ## Look up another CVE ## About CubePath CubePath is a cloud provider with data centers in Europe and the United States. It offers VPS, bare metal servers and DDoS protection. [Cloud VPS](https://cubepath.com/vps) [DDoS protection](https://cubepath.com/ddos-protection) Data from the CVE Program (MITRE), CISA KEV and FIRST EPSS. CVSS is owned by FIRST and used by permission. Not affiliated with or endorsed by MITRE, CISA or FIRST. Data as of Nov 10, 2026, 19:58 UTC. [Sources and licenses](https://cubepath.com/security/cve/legal)