Privilege escalation in Linux kernel

1) Use of uninitialized resource

EUVDB-ID: #VU61110

Risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 8.4 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:H/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2022-0847

CWE-ID: CWE-908 - Use of Uninitialized Resource

Exploit availability: Yes

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to usage of an uninitialized resources. A local user can overwrite arbitrary file in the page cache, even if the file is read-only, and execute arbitrary code on the system with elevated privileges.

The vulnerability was dubbed Dirty Pipe.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: before 5.16.11

External links

http://dirtypipe.cm4all.com/

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?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.