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Home >> Browse Vulnerability Assessment Database >> Gentoo Local Security Checks >> [GLSA-200401-01] Linux kernel do_mremap() local privilege escalation vulnerability

Vulnerability Assessment Details

[GLSA-200401-01] Linux kernel do_mremap() local privilege escalation vulnerability

Vulnerability Assessment Summary
Linux kernel do_mremap() local privilege escalation vulnerability

Detailed Explanation for this Vulnerability Assessment
The remote host is affected by the vulnerability described in GLSA-200401-01
(Linux kernel do_mremap() local privilege escalation vulnerability)

The memory subsystem permits for shrinking, growing, and moving of
chunks of memory along any of the allocated memory areas which the kernel
posesses.
A typical virtual memory area covers at least one memory page. An incorrect
bound check discovered inside the do_mremap() kernel code performing
remapping of a virtual memory area may lead to creation of a virtual memory
area of 0 bytes length.
The problem is based on the general mremap flaw that remapping 2 pages from
inside a VMA creates a memory hole of only one page in length but an
additional VMA of two pages. In the case of a zero sized remapping request
no VMA hole is created but an additional VMA descriptor of 0
bytes in length is created.
This advisory also addresses an information leak in the Linux RTC system.

Impact

Arbitrary code may be able to exploit this vulnerability and may
disrupt the operation of other
parts of the kernel memory management subroutines finally leading to
unexpected behavior.
Since no special rights are required to use the mremap(2) system call
any process may misuse its unexpected behavior to disrupt the kernel memory
management subsystem. Proper exploitation of this vulnerability may lead to
local privilege escalation including execution of arbitrary code
with kernel level access.
Proof-of-concept exploit code has been created and successfully tested,
permitting root escalation on vulnerable systems. As a result, all users
should upgrade their kernels to new or patched versions.

Workaround

There is no temporary workaround - a kernel upgrade is required. A list
of unaffected kernels is provided along with this announcement.

References:
http://isec.pl/vulnerabilities/isec-0012-mremap.txt

Solution:
Users are encouraged to upgrade to the latest available sources for
their system:
$> emerge sync
$> emerge -pv your-favourite-sources
$> emerge your-favourite-sources
$> # Follow usual procedure for compiling and installing a kernel.
$> # If you use genkernel, run genkernel as you would do normally.
$> # IF YOUR KERNEL IS MARKED as "remerge required!" THEN
$> # YOU SHOULD UPDATE YOUR KERNEL EVEN IF PORTAGE
$> # REPORTS THAT THE SAME VERSION IS INSTALLED.

Network Security Threat Level: High

Networks Security ID:

Vulnerability Assessment Copyright: (C) 2005 Michel Arboi

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