CVE-2023-28144: KDAB Hotspot 1.3.x and 1.4.x through 1.4.1, in a non-default configuration, allows privilege escalation becaus

Routine

HIGH 7.0UPGRADE

CVE-2023-28144 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.0) affecting hotspot. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

KDAB Hotspot 1.3.x and 1.4.x through 1.4.1, in a non-default configuration, allows privilege escalation because of race conditions involving symlinks and elevate_perf_privileges.sh chown calls.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.0 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 78%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-362
Published	2023-03-14
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: kdab

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-03-14 19:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 05:46 UTCUpdated Record last modified

kdab hotspot UPGRADE

Affected: >= 1.3.0 and <= 1.4.1

Fixed in: newer than 1.4.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.3.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy hotspot || rpm -q hotspot || hotspot --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.4.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade hotspot

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade hotspot

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 1.3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison hotspot sudo apt install hotspot=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.3.0> sudo apt-mark hold hotspot

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

dnf --showduplicates list hotspot sudo dnf downgrade hotspot-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.3.0> sudo dnf versionlock add hotspot

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.

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-2023-28144?

hotspot: upgrade to newer than 1.4.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-28144 being exploited?

CVE-2023-28144 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-2023-28144 affect?

CVE-2023-28144 affects hotspot. Severity is high (CVSS 7.0). KDAB Hotspot 1.3.x and 1.4.x through 1.4.1, in a non-default configuration, allows privilege escalation because of race conditions involving symlinks and elevate_perf_privileges.sh chown calls.

How urgent is CVE-2023-28144?

Priority 35/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

References

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