Vulnerability identifier: #VU17120

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-2018-16888

CWE-ID: CWE-264

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
systemd
Server applications / Other server solutions

Vendor: Freedesktop.org

Description

The vulnerability allows a local attacker to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to incorrect check the content of PIDFile files before using it to kill processes. A local attacker can who is able to write to the PIDFile of the mentioned service can trick systemd into killing other services and/or privileged processes.

Mitigation
Update to version 237.

Vulnerable software versions

systemd: 174 - 235

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External links
http://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=CVE-2018-16888
http://github.com/systemd/systemd/pull/7816

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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.