#VU9602 Null pointer dereference in Linux kernel - CVE-2017-15299

Vulnerability identifier: #VU9602

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 4.3 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2017-15299

CWE-ID: CWE-476

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

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

Vendor: Linux Foundation

Description
The vulnerability allows a local attacker to cause DoS condition on the target system.

The weakness exists due to the KEYS subsystem mishandles use of add_key for a key that already exists but is uninstantiated. A local attacker can supply specially crafted keys, trigger null pointer dereference and cause the service to crash.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability results in denial of service.

Mitigation
Update to version 4.13.7.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: 4.4.11, 4.10.0 - 4.13.6

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External links
https://www.mail-archive.com/linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org/msg1499828.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.