#VU113004 Untrusted search path in nix - CVE-2024-38531
Published: July 16, 2025
Vulnerability identifier: #VU113004
Vulnerability risk: Medium
CVSSv4.0: CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Green
CVE-ID: CVE-2024-38531
CWE-ID: CWE-426
Exploitation vector: Local access
Exploit availability:
No public exploit available
Vulnerable software:
nix
nix
Software vendor:
nixos.org
nixos.org
Description
The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.
The vulnerability exists due to usage of an untrusted search path during the build process. A local user can place a malicious setuid binary into a globally accessible location and assume the permissions of a Nix daemon worker and hijack all future builds.
Remediation
Install updates from vendor's website.