Root code execution via predictable temporary directory
Published Nov 1, 2023 · Updated Apr 6, 2026
Privilege escalation in the insights-client package on affected Red Hat Enterprise Linux releases allows local users to execute arbitrary code as root. Before registration, the client uses the fixed /var/tmp/insights-client directory without preventing an unprivileged user from creating and controlling it first. A low-privileged local account can place scripts there that a later root registration run executes with full privileges, including authority to disable SELinux.
Summary
What happened
Privilege escalation in the insights-client package on affected Red Hat Enterprise Linux releases allows local users to execute arbitrary code as root. Before registration, the client uses the fixed /var/tmp/insights-client directory without preventing an unprivileged user from creating and controlling it first. A low-privileged local account can place scripts there that a later root registration run executes with full privileges, including authority to disable SELinux.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2023-3972
- Published
- Nov 1, 2023
- Updated
- Apr 6, 2026
- Vendor
- Red Hat
- Product
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.4 Advanced Mission Critical Update Support
- Classifications
- CWE-379, T1068
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Nov 1, 2023CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Apr 6, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Affected versions are unavailable in this record. Check the vendor advisory for version and patch details.
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
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Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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