CVE-2013-2596 Linux Kernel Integer Overflow Vulnerability
Linux kernel fb_mmap function in drivers/video/fbmem.c contains an integer overflow vulnerability that allows for privilege escalation.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 15 Sep 2022.
- Rated High severity (CVSS 7.8, scored by CISA).
- It has been in the catalogue for 1,513 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
Integer overflow in the fb_mmap function in drivers/video/fbmem.c in the Linux kernel before 3.8.9, as used in a certain Motorola build of Android 4.1.2 and other products, allows local users to create a read-write memory mapping for the entirety of kernel memory, and consequently gain privileges, via crafted /dev/graphics/fb0 mmap2 system calls, as demonstrated by the Motochopper pwn program.
What To Do Now
- 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
- 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
Prove it is fixed
Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.
Penetration Testing
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
Our attack surface and vulnerability teams can check your internet-facing estate for CVE-2013-2596 and every other exploited flaw on the list.
Sources
- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue
- NVD: CVE-2013-2596
- CVE record: CVE-2013-2596
- FIRST EPSS
- git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=fc9bbca8f650e5f738af8806317c0a
- rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2015-0695.html
- securityfocus.com/bid/59264
- droid-life.com/2013/04/09/root-method-released-for-droid-razr-hd-running-android-4-1-2-other-devices
- mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDVSA-2013:176
- marc.info/?l=linux-kernel&m=136616837923938&w=2
- github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/b4cbb197c7e7a68dbad0d491242e3ca67420c13e
- oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/linuxbulletinjan2016-2867209.html
