#VU9961 Use-after-free in Linux kernel - CVE-2017-0861

Vulnerability identifier: #VU9961

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-2017-0861

CWE-ID: CWE-416

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 perform a denial of service attack.

The vulnerability exists due to a use-after-free error in snd_pcm_info() function in the ALSA subsystem.  A local user can perform a denial of service attack.

Mitigation
Update to version 4.14.6, 4.9.69 or 4.4.106.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: 4.4.0 - 4.4.110, 4.9 - 4.9.68, 4.14 - 4.14.5

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External links
https://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.14.6
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2017/12/04/2
https://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.9.69
https://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.4.106

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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.