PatchTheCVECVE-2020-8831: Apport creates a world writable lock file with root ownership in the world writable /var/lock/apport directory
CVE-2020-8831 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting ubuntu linux, apport. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
Apport creates a world writable lock file with root ownership in the world writable /var/lock/apport directory. If the apport/ directory does not exist (this is not uncommon as /var/lock is a tmpfs), it will create the directory, otherwise it will simply continue execution using the existing directory. This allows for a symlink attack if an attacker were to create a symlink at /var/lock/apport, changing apport's lock file location. This file coul
Why this priority
- Public exploit reference
- On your watchlist
No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.
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-2020-8831?
ubuntu linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; apport: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2020-8831 being exploited?
CVE-2020-8831 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-2020-8831 affect?
CVE-2020-8831 affects ubuntu linux, apport. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). Apport creates a world writable lock file with root ownership in the world writable /var/lock/apport directory. If the apport/ directory does not exist (this is not uncommon as /var/lock is a tmpfs), it will create the directory, otherwise
How urgent is CVE-2020-8831?
Priority 46/100. Public exploit reference; On your watchlist
Software pages
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