PatchTheCVECVE-2019-11503: snap-confine as included in snapd before 2.39 did not guard against symlink races when performing the chdir()
CVE-2019-11503 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting snapd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
snap-confine as included in snapd before 2.39 did not guard against symlink races when performing the chdir() to the current working directory of the calling user, aka a "cwd restore permission bypass."
Why this priority
- High severity
- Public exploit reference
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.5 (High) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 2.4% (top 16%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-59 |
| Published | 2019-04-24 |
| 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-2019-11503?
snapd: upgrade to 2.39. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2019-11503 being exploited?
CVE-2019-11503 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-2019-11503 affect?
CVE-2019-11503 affects snapd. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). snap-confine as included in snapd before 2.39 did not guard against symlink races when performing the chdir() to the current working directory of the calling user, aka a "cwd restore permission bypass."
How urgent is CVE-2019-11503?
Priority 57/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
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