CVE-2017-7184

HIGH

Linux kernel <4.10.6 - Privilege Escalation

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

EIP tracks 3 public exploits for CVE-2017-7184. PoCs published by shakyanayann, Grish-Pradhan, b1nhack.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2017-7184, a Linux kernel local privilege escalation vulnerability. The exploit triggers an out-of-bounds write in the XFRM subsystem by manipulating the replay state of an IPsec SA (Security Association).

Description

The xfrm_replay_verify_len function in net/xfrm/xfrm_user.c in the Linux kernel through 4.10.6 does not validate certain size data after an XFRM_MSG_NEWAE update, which allows local users to obtain root privileges or cause a denial of service (heap-based out-of-bounds access) by leveraging the CAP_NET_ADMIN capability, as demonstrated during a Pwn2Own competition at CanSecWest 2017 for the Ubuntu 16.10 linux-image-* package 4.8.0.41.52.

Exploits (3)

nomisec WORKING POC
by shakyanayann · poc
https://github.com/shakyanayann/CVE-2017-7184

This repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2017-7184, a Linux kernel local privilege escalation vulnerability. The exploit triggers an out-of-bounds write in the XFRM subsystem by manipulating the replay state of an IPsec SA (Security Association).

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Linux Kernel (versions affected by CVE-2017-7184)
Auth required
Prerequisites: CAP_NET_ADMIN capabilities · Linux kernel with XFRM subsystem · IPsec SA configuration
devstral-2 · analyzed Mar 06, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by Grish-Pradhan · poc
https://github.com/Grish-Pradhan/CVE-2017-7184

This is a functional privilege escalation exploit for CVE-2017-7184, leveraging user namespaces to gain CAP_NET_ADMIN and then exploiting a kernel stack overflow in the XFRM subsystem to achieve root. The PoC includes a ROP chain to bypass kernel protections and spawn a root shell.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Complex
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Linux Kernel (versions affected by CVE-2017-7184)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Unpatched Linux kernel vulnerable to CVE-2017-7184 · User namespace support enabled
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by b1nhack · poc
https://github.com/b1nhack/CVE-2017-7184

This is a functional exploit for CVE-2017-7184, a Linux kernel vulnerability in the XFRM subsystem. It leverages a heap overflow to achieve local privilege escalation by manipulating netlink messages and spawning processes to gain root access.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Complex
Reliability
Racy
Target: Linux kernel 4.4.x (specifically tested on 4.4.20)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Local access to a vulnerable Linux system · Kernel version 4.4.x with XFRM subsystem enabled
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →

References (15)

Core 15
Core References
Technical Description, Third Party Advisory x_refsource_misc
https://blog.trendmicro.com/results-pwn2own-2017-day-one/
Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory x_refsource_redhat
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:2918
Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory x_refsource_redhat
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:2931
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_bid
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/97018
Third Party Advisory x_refsource_confirm
https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2017-05-01
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_sectrack
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038166
Technical Description, Third Party Advisory x_refsource_misc
http://www.eweek.com/security/ubuntu-linux-falls-on-day-1-of-pwn2own-hacking-competition
Press/Media Coverage, Third Party Advisory x_refsource_misc
https://twitter.com/thezdi/status/842126074435665920
Mailing List, Third Party Advisory x_refsource_confirm
http://openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2017/03/29/2
Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory x_refsource_redhat
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2017:2930
Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory x_refsource_redhat
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2019:4159

Scores

CVSS v3 7.8
EPSS 0.0190
EPSS Percentile 77.1%
Attack Vector LOCAL
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Details

Status published
Products (2)
linux/linux_kernel 4.8
linux/linux_kernel < 3.2.89
Published Mar 19, 2017
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026