Vulnerability identifier: #VU17831

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv3.1: 6.7 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2019-8980

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 attacker to perform a denial of service (DoS) attack.

The vulnerability exists due to improper memory operations in the kernel_read_file function, as defined in the fs/exec.c source code file. A remote attacker can send malicious file that triggers vfs_read failures and memory leak condition and perform a denial of service attack.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: 4.20.1 - 4.20.11, 4.19 - 4.19.24

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External links
http://www.mail-archive.com/linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org/msg1935698.html
http://www.mail-archive.com/linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org/msg1935705.html

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