Vulnerability identifier: #VU16940

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 7 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2018-16864

CWE-ID: CWE-119

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
systemd-journald
Client/Desktop applications / Other client software

Vendor: Freedesktop.org

Description
The vulnerability allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the target system.

The weakness exists due to boundary error when handling malicious input. A local attacker can run a specially crafted application, trigger memory corruption and gain elevated privileges to conduct further attacks.

Mitigation
Patches have been sent to linux-distros@openwall.

Vulnerable software versions

systemd-journald: All versions

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External links
http://www.qualys.com/2019/01/09/system-down/system-down.txt

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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. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.