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Actively exploited

CVE-2013-2094 Linux Kernel Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Linux kernel fails to check all 64 bits of attr.config passed by user space, resulting to out-of-bounds access of the perf_swevent_enabled array in sw_perf_event_destroy(). Explotation allows for privilege escalation.

From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.

Our Assessment

Should You Worry?

Patch urgentlyCybergen assessment
  • CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 15 Sep 2022.
  • Rated High severity (CVSS 8.4, scored by CISA).
  • It has been in the catalogue for 1,513 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
The Vulnerability

What It Is

The perf_swevent_init function in kernel/events/core.c in the Linux kernel before 3.8.9 uses an incorrect integer data type, which allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted perf_event_open system call.

From Watch to Action

What To Do Now

  1. 1

    Find it

    Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Linux Kernel. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.

    Attack Surface Management
  2. 2

    Fix it

    Apply updates per vendor instructions.

    Vulnerability Management
  3. 3

    Hunt for compromise

    If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.

    Incident Response
  4. 4

    Prove it is fixed

    Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.

    Penetration Testing

Vendor Advisories

Regulation

The Compliance Clock

Cyber EssentialsRated high, so if it affects devices in your Cyber Essentials scope, the update must be installed within 14 days of the vendor releasing it.NIS2If exploitation causes a significant incident, essential and important entities owe their CSIRT an early warning within 24 hours and a notification within 72 hours.DORAFinancial entities must classify ICT incidents and send an initial notification for a major incident within strict deadlines, with exploited flaws a common cause.US federal (BOD 22-01)Federal civilian agencies had until 6 Oct 2022 to remediate. A sensible benchmark for everyone else.

General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.

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More Exploited Linux Flaws

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CVE-2026-46300Linux Kernel Missing Initialization of a Variable VulnerabilityAdded 28 Oct 2026CVE-2025-39964Linux Kernel Race Condition VulnerabilityAdded 18 Sep 2026CVE-2026-53266Linux Kernel Out-of-Bounds Write VulnerabilityAdded 18 Sep 2026CVE-2025-39682Linux Kernel Improper Check for Unusual or Exceptional Conditions VulnerabilityAdded 18 Sep 2026CVE-2026-53362Linux Kernel Unspecified VulnerabilityAdded 27 Aug 2026CVE-2022-0995Linux Kernel Out-of-Bounds Write VulnerabilityAdded 26 Aug 2026

All 32 exploited Linux vulnerabilities

Not Sure If You Are Exposed?

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Evidence

Sources

  1. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue
  2. NVD: CVE-2013-2094
  3. CVE record: CVE-2013-2094
  4. FIRST EPSS
  5. git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=8176cced706b5e5d15887584150764
  6. lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2013-05/msg00018.html
  7. mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDVSA-2013:176
  8. lkml.indiana.edu/hypermail/linux/kernel/1304.1/04302.html
  9. lkml.indiana.edu/hypermail/linux/kernel/1304.1/03652.html
  10. lists.centos.org/pipermail/centos-announce/2013-May/019733.html
  11. ubuntu.com/usn/USN-1826-1
  12. lkml.indiana.edu/hypermail/linux/kernel/1304.1/03976.html