CVE-2024-28085: wall in util-linux through 2.40, often installed with setgid tty permissions, allows escape sequences to be se

This month

LOW 3.3WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2024-28085 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 3.3) affecting util-linux, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

wall in util-linux through 2.40, often installed with setgid tty permissions, allows escape sequences to be sent to other users' terminals through argv. (Specifically, escape sequences received from stdin are blocked, but escape sequences received from argv are not blocked.) There may be plausible scenarios where this leads to account takeover.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	3.3 (Low)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	2.2% (top 17%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-150
Published	2024-03-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: debian · kernel

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-03-27 19:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 07:20 UTCUpdated Record last modified

kernel util-linux UPGRADE

Affected: >= 2.24 and < 2.39.4

Fixed in: 2.39.4

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.24

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy util-linux || rpm -q util-linux || util-linux --version

2. UPGRADE to 2.39.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade util-linux

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade util-linux

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 2.24 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison util-linux sudo apt install util-linux=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.24> sudo apt-mark hold util-linux

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

dnf --showduplicates list util-linux sudo dnf downgrade util-linux-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.24> sudo dnf versionlock add util-linux

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: 10.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 10.0

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-2024-28085?

util-linux: upgrade to 2.39.4; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2024-28085 being exploited?

CVE-2024-28085 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-2024-28085 affect?

CVE-2024-28085 affects util-linux, debian linux. Severity is low (CVSS 3.3). wall in util-linux through 2.40, often installed with setgid tty permissions, allows escape sequences to be sent to other users' terminals through argv. (Specifically, escape sequences received from stdin are blocked, but escape sequences r

How urgent is CVE-2024-28085?

Priority 42/100. Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-13595 MEDIUM 6.8 MITIGATE UPGRADE A flaw was found in the libblkid library of util-linux
CVE-2022-0563 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE MITIGATE A flaw was found in the util-linux chfn and chsh utilities when compiled with Readline support
CVE-2021-37600 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE MITIGATE An integer overflow in util-linux through 2.37.1 can potentially cause a buffer overflow if an attacker were a
CVE-2026-3184 LOW 3.7 MITIGATE MITIGATE A flaw was found in util-linux
CVE-2026-27456 MEDIUM 4.7 UPGRADE util-linux is a random collection of Linux utilities

References

← Back to latest CVEs