CVE-2013-2207

What it actually does

The flaw allows a local attacker to bypass permission checks on tty files via pt_chown when a FUSE filesystem is mounted, enabling modification of permissions on arbitrary pseudo-terminal devices and subsequent unauthorized access.

Why it matters to the business

Older systems or downstream packages like tensorflow (Bitnami) remain exposed to limited local access risks despite the CVE being over a decade old with negligible exploit probability and 98 downstream dependents; operational impact is minimal absent active exploitation or ransomware usage.

How an attack unfolds

An authenticated local user mounts a FUSE filesystem and invokes pt_chown against a target tty file; the missing permission validation permits the attacker to alter ownership or permissions, granting access to other users' pseudo-terminals without requiring network access or elevated privileges.

How to fix it

Upgrade glibc to version 2.18 or later; for tensorflow (Bitnami) deployments, update to version 2.7.2 or newer to incorporate the corrected library dependency.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm glibc version is 2.18+, verify tensorflow (Bitnami) reports 2.7.2+, and test that pt_chown rejects permission changes on tty files from unprivileged FUSE contexts.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain local shell access on an affected system
2. Mount a controllable FUSE filesystem
3. Invoke pt_chown on a chosen tty device file
4. Modify permissions to access another user's pseudo-terminal
5. Interact with or capture data from the now-accessible terminal

How to detect it

Review authentication and process execution logs for unexpected pt_chown invocations involving FUSE-mounted paths; examine file permission changes on /dev/pts entries without corresponding administrative activity.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize upgrade of tensorflow (Bitnami) to 2.7.2 across all instances
• Inventory other packages depending on glibc < 2.18 given 98 downstream dependents
• Monitor for any future EPSS increase despite current stable low score
• Apply least-privilege controls on FUSE mounts as a compensating measure