CVE-2021-3493

kernel: overlayfs file system caps privilege escalation

Published Apr 17, 2021 CVSS 3.1 · 8.8 High EPSS 49.2% KEV · Listed
Description
The overlayfs implementation in the linux kernel did not properly validate with respect to user namespaces the setting of file capabilities on files in an underlying file system. Due to the combination of unprivileged user namespaces along with a patch carried in the Ubuntu kernel to allow unprivileged overlay mounts, an attacker could use this to gain elevated privileges.

Remediation

Vendor Solution

Apply https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=7c03e2cda4a584cadc398e8f6641ca9988a39d52


Vendor Workaround

Disable unprivileged user namespaces.

Tracking

Sign in to view the affected projects.

Advisories

Source ID Title
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-4915-1 Linux kernel (OEM) vulnerabilities
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-4916-1 Linux kernel vulnerabilities
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-4917-1 Linux kernel vulnerabilities
Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
canonical
Published
Updated
Oct 21, 2025, 11:25 PM
Reserved
Apr 12, 2021, 12:00 AM
Status
Analyzed
Published
Apr 17, 2021, 5:15 AM
Modified
Jun 17, 2026, 4:05 AM
Severity
Moderate
Public date
Apr 16, 2021, 12:00 AM