#VU99957 Missing release of memory after effective lifetime in Linux kernel - CVE-2003-0465

Vulnerability identifier: #VU99957

Vulnerability risk: Low

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

CVE-ID: CVE-2003-0465

CWE-ID: CWE-401

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 gain access to sensitive information.

The kernel strncpy function in Linux 2.4 and 2.5 does not %NUL pad the buffer on architectures other than x86, as opposed to the expected behavior of strncpy as implemented in libc, which could lead to information leaks.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's repository.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: All versions

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External links
https://marc.info/?l=linux-kernel&m=105796021120436&w=2
https://marc.info/?l=linux-kernel&m=105796415223490&w=2
https://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2004-188.html
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A10285

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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.