CVE-2017-15299: Null Pointer Dereference

Published Oct 3, 2017
·
Updated

A vulnerability was found in the key management subsystem of the Linux kernel. An update on an uninstantiated key could cause a kernel panic, leading to DoS.

References:

https://www.mail-archive.com/linux-kernel@vger.kernel.org/msg1499828.html

https://marc.info/?t=150654188100001&r=1&w=2

https://marc.info/?t=150783958600011&r=1&w=2

An upstream patch:

https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=60ff5b2f547af3828aebafd54daded44cfb0807a

Other sources

The KEYS subsystem in the Linux kernel through 4.13.7 mishandles use of addkey for a key that already exists but is uninstantiated, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and system crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted system call.

MITRE

Affected Software

2 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel<=4.13.6
debian/linux
6.1.176-16.1.187-16.12.107-17.1.13-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

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

    Fixed in 6.1.176-1Fixed in 6.1.187-1Fixed in 6.12.107-1Fixed in 7.1.13-1

Event History

Oct 3, 2017
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·10:15 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Oct 14, 2017
CVE Published
via MITRE·09:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·09:00 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·11:29 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Sep 15, 2025
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·04:33 AM
Description
Jul 4, 2026
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·11:19 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Sep 12, 2026
Data Sourced
via Debian·01:11 PM
DescriptionAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2017-15299?

CVE-2017-15299 is classified as a medium severity vulnerability due to its potential to cause a denial of service (DoS) by triggering a kernel panic.

2

How does CVE-2017-15299 affect Linux kernel versions?

CVE-2017-15299 impacts Linux kernel versions up to and including 4.13.6.

3

How do I fix CVE-2017-15299?

To fix CVE-2017-15299, upgrade to a patched version of the Linux kernel such as 5.10.223-1 or later.

4

What is the potential impact of CVE-2017-15299?

The potential impact of CVE-2017-15299 is that it can lead to a kernel panic, resulting in a denial of service.

5

Is CVE-2017-15299 related to key management?

Yes, CVE-2017-15299 is specifically related to a vulnerability in the key management subsystem of the Linux kernel.

Contact

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