CVE-2012-3409: ecryptfs-utils: suid helper does not restrict mounting filesystems with nosuid,nodev which creates a possible

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HIGH 7.8WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2012-3409 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting ecryptfs-utils, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

ecryptfs-utils: suid helper does not restrict mounting filesystems with nosuid,nodev which creates a possible privilege escalation

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 65%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2019-12-20
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: debian · ecryptfs

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-12-20 14:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:43 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ecryptfs ecryptfs-utils UPGRADE

Affected: >= 86 and < 99

Fixed in: 99

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 86

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy ecryptfs-utils || rpm -q ecryptfs-utils || ecryptfs-utils --version

2. UPGRADE to 99 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade ecryptfs-utils

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade ecryptfs-utils

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 86 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ecryptfs-utils sudo apt install ecryptfs-utils=<VERSION_BEFORE_86> sudo apt-mark hold ecryptfs-utils

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list ecryptfs-utils sudo dnf downgrade ecryptfs-utils-<VERSION_BEFORE_86> sudo dnf versionlock add ecryptfs-utils

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.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 8.0 · 9.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2012-3409?

ecryptfs-utils: upgrade to 99; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2012-3409 being exploited?

CVE-2012-3409 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-2012-3409 affect?

CVE-2012-3409 affects ecryptfs-utils, debian linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). ecryptfs-utils: suid helper does not restrict mounting filesystems with nosuid,nodev which creates a possible privilege escalation

How urgent is CVE-2012-3409?

Priority 41/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

References

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