#VU99958 Security restrictions bypass in Linux kernel - CVE-2003-0501

Vulnerability identifier: #VU99958

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 1.9 [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:P/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2003-0501

CWE-ID: CWE-264

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

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.

The /proc filesystem in Linux allows local users to obtain sensitive information by opening various entries in /proc/self before executing a setuid program, which causes the program to fail to change the ownership and permissions of those entries.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's repository.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: All versions

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External links
https://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=105621758104242
https://www.debian.org/security/2004/dsa-358
https://www.debian.org/security/2004/dsa-423
https://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2003-198.html
https://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2003-238.html
https://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2003-239.html
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A328

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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. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.