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Ubuntu 22.04 LTS 8091-1 util-linux Important Privilege Escalation Risk

ubuntu
Calendar Grey March 12, 2026
Dist Ubuntu Esm H88
Update your Ubuntu systems for util-linux security issue allowing privilege escalation. Details and instructions inside.
util-linux could be made to run programs as an administrator.

Summary

util-linux could be made to run programs as an administrator.

Software Description:

- util-linux: miscellaneous system utilities

Details:

It was discovered that the util-linux su utility did not drop capabilities

when being used with the --pty option. While not a security issue by

itself, a local attacker could possibly use the su tool to exploit

vulnerabilities in other applications.

Topics%20covered

Topics Covered

security advisory privilege escalation Ubuntu important util-linux administrator

Update Instructions

The problem can be corrected by updating your system to the following
package versions:

Ubuntu 25.10
  util-linux                      2.41-4ubuntu4.2

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
  util-linux                      2.39.3-9ubuntu6.5

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
  util-linux                      2.37.2-4ubuntu3.5

Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
  util-linux                      2.34-0.1ubuntu9.6+esm1
                                  Available with Ubuntu Pro

In general, a standard system update will make all the necessary changes.

References

https://ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-8091-1

https://launchpad.net/bugs/2143850

Severity
important
Lowest
Low
Medium
High
Critical

Ubuntu Security Notice USN-8091-1

Topics%20covered

Topics Covered

security advisory privilege escalation Ubuntu important util-linux administrator

Package Information

https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/util-linux/2.41-4ubuntu4.2
https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/util-linux/2.39.3-9ubuntu6.5
https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/util-linux/2.37.2-4ubuntu3.5

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