CVE-2002-2016: User-mode Linux (UML) 2.4.17-8 does not restrict access to kernel address space, which allows local users to e

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HIGH 7.2WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-2016 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting user-mode linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

User-mode Linux (UML) 2.4.17-8 does not restrict access to kernel address space, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.1% (top 33%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: user-mode linux

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-12-31 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:00 UTCUpdated Record last modified

user-mode linux user-mode linux DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.4.17.8

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.4.17.8

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy user-mode-linux || rpm -q user-mode-linux || user-mode-linux --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.4.17.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison user-mode-linux sudo apt install user-mode-linux=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.4.17.8> sudo apt-mark hold user-mode-linux

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list user-mode-linux sudo dnf downgrade user-mode-linux-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.4.17.8> sudo dnf versionlock add user-mode-linux

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: User-Mode Linux (Linux Kernel 2.4.17-8) - Memory Access Privilege Escalation

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2002-2016?

user-mode linux: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2002-2016 being exploited?

CVE-2002-2016 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2002-2016 affect?

CVE-2002-2016 affects user-mode linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). User-mode Linux (UML) 2.4.17-8 does not restrict access to kernel address space, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code.

How urgent is CVE-2002-2016?

Priority 52/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

References

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