CVE-2016-7545 in policycoreutils
Summary
by MITRE
SELinux policycoreutils allows local users to execute arbitrary commands outside of the sandbox via a crafted TIOCSTI ioctl call.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7545 resides within the SELinux policycoreutils component, specifically targeting the handling of TIOCSTI ioctl system calls. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the fundamental sandboxing principles designed to protect system integrity. The TIOCSTI ioctl call typically serves to inject characters into a terminal's input queue, but when improperly handled within the SELinux context, it creates an exploitable path for privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of ioctl parameters within the SELinux policy enforcement mechanisms. When a local user crafts a malicious TIOCSTI ioctl call, the system fails to properly verify the legitimacy of the operation, allowing the command execution to bypass normal security boundaries. This represents a classic case of inadequate input sanitization and privilege validation that directly contravenes established security principles. The flaw operates at the kernel level where SELinux policies are enforced, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to execute commands outside the intended security context.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables local users to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary commands with elevated permissions, potentially compromising the entire system. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be leveraged to bypass SELinux's mandatory access controls. Systems running affected versions of policycoreutils are vulnerable to unauthorized command execution, which can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems where SELinux is enabled and actively enforcing policies, creating a significant risk for enterprise environments that rely on mandatory access controls for security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7545 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the latest SELinux policycoreutils updates from respective distributions. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious ioctl activity and reviewing SELinux policy configurations to minimize potential attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses improper restriction of operations within a limited error handling context, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions and implement comprehensive monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security updates and proper system hardening practices should be maintained to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.