#VU95642 Improper update of reference count in Linux kernel - CVE-2004-1057

Vulnerability identifier: #VU95642

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 5.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2004-1057

CWE-ID: CWE-911

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 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

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

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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.