
A significant security vulnerability chain has been discovered, impacting the majority of Linux distributions and potentially granting root access to attackers. This issue, stemming from a series of chained local privilege escalation (LPE) flaws, represents a serious risk for systems left unpatched.
The core problem lies in how certain components handle operations, which, when combined, allow a standard user to elevate their privileges to the highest level, essentially becoming the system administrator or root. This chain effect makes the vulnerability particularly potent, as it doesn’t rely on a single point of failure but rather the confluence of multiple issues.
Identifying and addressing this vulnerability is critical. Attackers could exploit this to install malware, steal sensitive data, or completely take over affected systems without needing complex remote exploits. Given the widespread use of Linux in servers, desktops, and embedded systems, the potential impact is vast.
System administrators and users are urged to prioritize patching their Linux systems immediately. Updates addressing these specific issues are being released by distribution maintainers. Applying these patches is the most effective way to mitigate the risk posed by this chained privilege escalation attack vector and maintain strong security posture. Staying informed about security advisories is also key to preventing future compromises.
Source: https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2025/06/18/chaining-two-lpes-to-get-root-most-linux-distros-vulnerable-cve-2025-6018-cve-2025-6019/