CVE-2016-8637: Infoleak

Published Aug 1, 2018
·
Updated

A local information disclosure issue was found in dracut before 045 when generating initramfs images with world-readable permissions when 'early cpio' is used, such as when including microcode updates. Local attacker can use this to obtain sensitive information from these files, such as encryption keys or credentials.

Affected Software

2 affected componentsFixes available
Dracut Project Dracut<045
debian/dracut
059-4106-6112-6

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/dracut to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 059-4Fixed in 106-6Fixed in 112-6
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade dracut to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 045

Event History

Aug 1, 2018
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:00 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·01:29 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Sep 28, 2026
Data Sourced
via Debian·03:38 PM
DescriptionAffected Software
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·03:38 PM
Description
Sep 29, 2026
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·03:38 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2016-8637?

CVE-2016-8637 is considered a local information disclosure vulnerability.

2

How do I fix CVE-2016-8637?

To fix CVE-2016-8637, upgrade Dracut to version 045 or later.

3

Who is affected by CVE-2016-8637?

CVE-2016-8637 affects users of Dracut versions before 045 that generate initramfs images.

4

What type of information can be disclosed in CVE-2016-8637?

CVE-2016-8637 can disclose sensitive information such as encryption keys from world-readable initramfs images.

5

What is Dracut in the context of CVE-2016-8637?

Dracut is an application used to create initramfs images in Linux systems, and CVE-2016-8637 pertains to its improper permissions.

Contact

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