#VU51544 Use-after-free in Linux kernel - CVE-2020-14351

Vulnerability identifier: #VU51544

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 5.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2020-14351

CWE-ID: CWE-416

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Linux kernel
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Linux Foundation

Description

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

The vulnerability exists due to a use-after-free error within the perf subsystem. A local user with permission to monitor perf events cam corrupt memory and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: before 5.8.17, 5.8.17

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External links
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1862849
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2020/12/msg00015.html
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2020/12/msg00027.html

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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.