CVE-2008-5162: Race Condition
First published: Wed Nov 26 2008(Updated: )
The arc4random function in the kernel in FreeBSD 6.3 through 7.1 does not have a proper entropy source for a short time period immediately after boot, which makes it easier for attackers to predict the function's return values and conduct certain attacks against the GEOM framework and various network protocols, related to the Yarrow random number generator.
Credit: secteam@freebsd.org
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| FreeBSD Kernel | >=6.4<7.0 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =6.3 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =6.3-p1 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =6.3-p2 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =6.3-p3 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =6.3-p4 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =6.3-p5 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.0 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.0-p1 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.0-p3 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.0-p4 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.0-p5 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p1 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p10 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p12 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p13 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p14 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p15 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p16 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p2 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p3 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p4 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p5 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p6 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p7 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p8 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-p9 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-rc1 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1-rc2 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =6.3 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =6.4 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.0 | |
| FreeBSD Kernel | =7.1 |
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Reference Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2008-5162?
CVE-2008-5162 has a medium severity rating due to its potential to compromise randomness and security post-boot.
How do I fix CVE-2008-5162?
To fix CVE-2008-5162, upgrade to a patched version of FreeBSD beyond 7.1 that ensures a secure entropy source.
Which versions of FreeBSD are affected by CVE-2008-5162?
CVE-2008-5162 affects FreeBSD versions 6.3 through 7.1.
What are the potential attacks associated with CVE-2008-5162?
CVE-2008-5162 could allow attackers to predict the return values of the arc4random function, leading to potential exploits against the GEOM framework and network stacks.
When was CVE-2008-5162 reported?
CVE-2008-5162 was reported in 2008, specifically impacting FreeBSD systems during early boot processes.
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- version/freebsd kernel/6.4
- version/freebsd kernel/6.3
- version/freebsd kernel/6.3-p1
- version/freebsd kernel/6.3-p2
- version/freebsd kernel/6.3-p3
- version/freebsd kernel/6.3-p4
- version/freebsd kernel/6.3-p5
- version/freebsd kernel/7.0
- version/freebsd kernel/7.0-p1
- version/freebsd kernel/7.0-p3
- version/freebsd kernel/7.0-p4
- version/freebsd kernel/7.0-p5
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p1
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p10
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p12
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p13
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p14
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p15
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p16
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p2
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p3
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p4
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p5
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p6
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p7
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p8
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-p9
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-rc1
- version/freebsd kernel/7.1-rc2