#VU99942 Missing release of memory after effective lifetime in Linux kernel - CVE-2004-0565

Vulnerability identifier: #VU99942

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 1.1 [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:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2004-0565

CWE-ID: CWE-401

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 gain access to sensitive information.

Floating point information leak in the context switch code for Linux 2.4.x only checks the MFH bit but does not verify the FPH owner, which allows local users to read register values of other processes by setting the MFH bit.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's repository.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: All versions

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External links
https://archives.neohapsis.com/archives/linux/owl/2004-q2/0038.html
https://secunia.com/advisories/20162
https://secunia.com/advisories/20163
https://secunia.com/advisories/20202
https://secunia.com/advisories/20338
https://www.debian.org/security/2006/dsa-1067
https://www.debian.org/security/2006/dsa-1069
https://www.debian.org/security/2006/dsa-1070
https://www.debian.org/security/2006/dsa-1082
https://www.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDKSA-2004:066
https://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2004-504.html
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/10687
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=124734
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/16644
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A10714

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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.