Improper update of reference count in Linux kernel

1) Improper update of reference count

EUVDB-ID: #VU95642

Risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 6.8 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2004-1057

CWE-ID: CWE-911 - Improper Update of Reference Count

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to execute arbitrary code.

Multiple drivers in Linux kernel 2.4.19 and earlier do not properly mark memory with the VM_IO flag, which causes incorrect reference counts and may lead to a denial of service (kernel panic) when accessing freed kernel pages.

Mitigation

Install update from vendor's repository.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: All versions

External links

http://secunia.com/advisories/18562
http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/people/andrea/kernels/v2.4/2.4.23aa3/00_VM_IO-4
http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2005-016.html
http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2005-017.html
http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2006-0140.html
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/12338
http://bugzilla.redhat.com/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=137821
http://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/19275
http://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A11474

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.