#VU92861 Improper input validation in Linux kernel - CVE-2008-0009

Vulnerability identifier: #VU92861

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 1.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:L/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2008-0009

CWE-ID: CWE-20

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

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

Vendor: Linux Foundation

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to gain access to sensitive information.

The vmsplice_to_user function in fs/splice.c in the Linux kernel 2.6.22 through 2.6.24 does not validate a certain userspace pointer before dereference, which might allow local users to access arbitrary kernel memory locations.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's repository.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: All versions

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External links
https://isec.pl/vulnerabilities/isec-0026-vmsplice_to_kernel.txt
https://secunia.com/advisories/28835
https://secunia.com/advisories/28896
https://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v2.6/ChangeLog-2.6.24.1
https://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/487982/100/0/threaded
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/27704
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/27799
https://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/0487/references
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=431206
https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2008-February/msg00254.html
https://www.redhat.com/archives/fedora-package-announce/2008-February/msg00255.html

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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.