PatchTheCVECVE-2017-16638: The Gentoo net-misc/vde package before version 2.3.2-r4 may allow members of the "qemu" group to gain root pri
CVE-2017-16638 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting vde. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
The Gentoo net-misc/vde package before version 2.3.2-r4 may allow members of the "qemu" group to gain root privileges by creating a hard link in a directory on which "chown" is called recursively by the OpenRC service script.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 1.4% (top 28%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-732 |
| Published | 2017-11-06 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
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-2017-16638?
vde: upgrade to 2.3.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2017-16638 being exploited?
CVE-2017-16638 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-2017-16638 affect?
CVE-2017-16638 affects vde. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The Gentoo net-misc/vde package before version 2.3.2-r4 may allow members of the "qemu" group to gain root privileges by creating a hard link in a directory on which "chown" is called recursively by the OpenRC service script.
How urgent is CVE-2017-16638?
Priority 57/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action