#VU92858 Security restrictions bypass in Linux kernel - CVE-2008-2137

Vulnerability identifier: #VU92858

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 1.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:L/VI:L/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2008-2137

CWE-ID: CWE-264

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Linux kernel
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Linux Foundation

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to read and manipulate data.

The (1) sparc_mmap_check function in arch/sparc/kernel/sys_sparc.c and the (2) sparc64_mmap_check function in arch/sparc64/kernel/sys_sparc.c, in the Linux kernel 2.4 before 2.4.36.5 and 2.6 before 2.6.25.3, omit some virtual-address range (aka span) checks when the mmap MAP_FIXED bit is not set, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (panic) via unspecified mmap calls.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's repository.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: All versions

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External links
https://kerneltrap.org/mailarchive/git-commits-head/2008/5/8/1760604
https://secunia.com/advisories/30368
https://secunia.com/advisories/30499
https://secunia.com/advisories/31107
https://www.debian.org/security/2008/dsa-1588
https://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v2.4/ChangeLog-2.4.36.5
https://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v2.6/ChangeLog-2.6.25.3
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/29397
https://www.securitytracker.com/id?1020119
https://www.ubuntu.com/usn/usn-625-1
https://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/1716/references
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/42681

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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.