#VU95654 Loop with unreachable exit condition ('infinite loop') in Linux kernel - CVE-2004-0626

Vulnerability identifier: #VU95654

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 2.7 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2004-0626

CWE-ID: CWE-835

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

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

Vendor: Linux Foundation

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote non-authenticated attacker to perform service disruption.

The tcp_find_option function of the netfilter subsystem in Linux kernel 2.6, when using iptables and TCP options rules, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU consumption by infinite loop) via a large option length that produces a negative integer after a casting operation to the char type.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's repository.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: All versions

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External links
https://distro.conectiva.com.br/atualizacoes/?id=a&anuncio=000852
https://lwn.net/Articles/91964/
https://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=108861141304495&w=2
https://www.gentoo.org/security/en/glsa/glsa-200407-12.xml
https://www.novell.com/linux/security/advisories/2004_20_kernel.html
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/16554

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.