#VU91500 Race condition in Linux kernel - CVE-2009-1527

Vulnerability identifier: #VU91500

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 7.1 [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:P/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2009-1527

CWE-ID: CWE-362

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

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

Vendor: Linux Foundation

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to execute arbitrary code.

The vulnerability exists due to a race condition within the ptrace_attach() and write_unlock_irqrestore() functions in kernel/ptrace.c. A local user can execute arbitrary code.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: All versions

---

External links
https://git.kernel.org/?p=linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux-2.6.git;a=commit;h=cad81bc2529ab8c62b6fdc83a1c0c7f4a87209eb
https://secunia.com/advisories/34977
https://secunia.com/advisories/35120
https://wiki.rpath.com/Advisories:rPSA-2009-0084
https://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v2.6/testing/ChangeLog-2.6.30-rc4
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2009/05/04/2
https://www.osvdb.org/54188
https://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/503610/100/0/threaded
https://www.securityfocus.com/bid/34799
https://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/1236
https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/50293

---

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