CVE-2016-7916

Medium

Race condition in the environ_read function in fs/proc/base.c in the Linux kernel before 4.5.4 allows local users to obtain sensitive information from kernel memory by reading a /proc/*/environ file during a process-setup time interval in which environment-variable copying is incomplete.

Package Linux Kernel
Published 2016-11-16
Last modified 2026-05-06
CVSS version 3.0
Patch available
Awaiting data

CVSS 3.0 score

5.5

out of 10
Medium
Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Privileges Required
None
User Interaction
Required
Scope
Unchanged
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
None
Availability
None
Vector string
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Weakness type

CWE-362

CVE-2016-7916 is a Race Condition vulnerability

What is Race Condition?

The product contains a code sequence that can run concurrently with other code, creating unexpected states. Learn more on MITRE CWE

References

The following references provide additional information about CVE-2016-7916 including vendor advisories, patch commits, exploit details, and third-party analysis. Links are sourced from the NIST NVD database.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is CVE-2016-7916?

    CVE-2016-7916 is a Medium severity Linux kernel vulnerability with a CVSS score of 5.5 out of 10 , classified as a Race Condition flaw (CWE-362) . CVE-2016-7916 has not been confirmed as actively exploited and is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.

  • What is the CVSS score for CVE-2016-7916?

    CVE-2016-7916 has a CVSS score of 5.5 out of 10, rated Medium severity (CVSS 3.0). The vector string is CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N .

  • Is there a patch available for CVE-2016-7916?

    No patch is currently available for CVE-2016-7916. Monitor the NIST NVD and your Linux distribution's security advisories for updates.

  • Is CVE-2016-7916 actively exploited?

    No — CVE-2016-7916 has not been confirmed as actively exploited. It is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.

  • What is Race Condition (CWE-362)?

    The product contains a code sequence that can run concurrently with other code, creating unexpected states. View CWE-362 on MITRE CWE →

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