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CVE Record

CVE-2018-7738: In util-linux before 2.32-rc1, bash-completion/umount allows local users to gain privileges by embedding sh...

In util-linux before 2.32-rc1, bash-completion/umount allows local users to gain privileges by embedding shell commands in a mountpoint name, which is mishandled during a umount command (within Bash) by a different user, as demonstrated by logging in as root and entering umount followed by a tab character for autocompletion.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This CVE is a local privilege escalation issue in util-linux Bash completion for umount. A local user could create a malicious mountpoint name that is mishandled when another user, such as root, triggers umount tab-completion in Bash. Business urgency is highest on shared Linux systems where untrusted users and privileged shell administration coexist.

Executive priority

Treat as a targeted local privilege-escalation risk, not an internet-wide emergency. Patch through normal Linux security update channels, with faster handling for shared or administratively sensitive systems.

Technical view

util-linux before 2.32-rc1 mishandled shell metacharacters in bash-completion/umount. The vulnerable path is triggered by Bash autocompletion, not by a remote network service. The cited upstream commit and Debian/Ubuntu advisories indicate a fix path, but the source bundle provides no CVSS, CWE, or complete affected-product matrix.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely on Linux hosts with vulnerable util-linux bash-completion installed, local user access, and privileged users invoking umount completion in Bash. Single-user systems and systems without bash-completion enabled have lower practical exposure.

Exploitation context

The source bundle describes a demonstrated local privilege gain scenario, but KEV is false and no cited source in the bundle states active exploitation in the wild. Exploitation requires local access and interaction by another user running umount completion.

Researcher notes

The important boundary is the Bash completion script for umount and the privileges of the user triggering completion. The source data lacks CVSS and detailed product CPEs, so validation should rely on distro advisories, package changelogs, and the upstream commit rather than NVD metadata alone.

Mitigation direction

  • Update util-linux using vendor packages referenced by Debian, Ubuntu, or your OS vendor.
  • Prioritize shared Linux servers, administrative jump hosts, and multi-user environments.
  • Check NetApp guidance if you operate NetApp products covered by its advisory.
  • Until updated, avoid privileged shell completion on untrusted mountpoint names.
  • Confirm downstream vendor backports rather than relying only on upstream version numbers.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory installed util-linux and bash-completion packages across Linux assets.
  • Verify packages include the upstream fix or vendor advisory remediation.
  • Identify systems where untrusted local users can create mountpoint names.
  • Review administrative practices for root Bash completion on shared hosts.
  • Track exceptions where appliances require vendor-specific remediation timing.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
8

Public sources used

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

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
7Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.