CVE-2015-5157: arch/x86/entry/entry_64.S in the Linux kernel before 4.1.6 on the x86_64 platform mishandles IRET faults in...

Security readout for executives and security teams

This is a Linux kernel flaw on x86_64 systems before kernel 4.1.6. A local user could potentially turn limited access into higher privileges by abusing how the kernel handled a specific fault path. It is not described as remote, and the provided sources do not show active exploitation. Exposure is most relevant to x86_64 Linux systems running kernels before 4.1.6 or vendor kernels lacking the backported fix. Risk is higher on shared servers, developer hosts, jump boxes, or systems where untrusted users can run local code. Treat this as important patching work for Linux fleets, especially shared or multi-user environments. It is not a confirmed internet-facing remote issue, but successful abuse could undermine host security after any local foothold. Mitigation focus: Apply the vendor kernel update that fixes CVE-2015-5157.; Use kernel 4.1.6 or a distribution kernel with the backported fix.; Reboot systems after updating so the fixed kernel is running..

Prepared

Jun 13, 2026, 22:03 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.