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Home >> Browse Vulnerability Assessment Database >> Mandrake Local Security Checks >> MDKSA-2003:038: kernel

Vulnerability Assessment Details

MDKSA-2003:038: kernel

Vulnerability Assessment Summary
Check for the version of the kernel package

Detailed Explanation for this Vulnerability Assessment

The remote host is missing the patch for the advisory MDKSA-2003:038 (kernel).

A bug in the kernel module loader code could permit a local user to gain root
rights. This is done by a local user using ptrace and attaching to a
modprobe process that is spawned if the user triggers the loading of a kernel
module.
A temporary workaround can be used to defend against this flaw. It is possible
to temporarily disable the kmod kernel module loading subsystem in the kernel
after all of the required kernel modules have been loaded. Be sure that you do
not need to load additional kernel modules after implementing this workaround.
To use it, as root execute:
echo /no/such/file >/proc/sys/kernel/modprobe
To automate this, you may wish to add it as the last line of the
/etc/rc.d/rc.local file. You can revert this change by replacing the content
'/sbin/modprobe' in the /proc/sys/kernel/modprobe file. The root user can still
manually load kernel modules with this workaround in place.
This update applies a patch to correct the problem. All users should upgrade.
Please note that the Mandrake Linux 9.1 kernel already has this patch, and an
updated kernel for Mandrake Linux 8.2 will be available shortly.
For instructions on how to upgrade your kernel in Mandrake Linux, please refer
to:
http://www.mandrakesecure.net/en/kernelupdate.php

Solution : http://wwwnew.mandriva.com/security/advisories?name=MDKSA-2003:038
Network Security Threat Level: High

Networks Security ID: 7112

Vulnerability Assessment Copyright: This script is Copyright (C) 2004 Tenable Network Security

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