CVE-2017-18078: High severity systemd vulnerability

Published Jan 29, 2018
·
Updated

systemd-tmpfiles in systemd before 237 attempts to support ownership/permission changes on hardlinked files even if the fs.protectedhardlinks sysctl is turned off, which allows local users to bypass intended access restrictions via vectors involving a hard link to a file for which the user lacks write access, as demonstrated by changing the ownership of the /etc/passwd file.

Affected Software

3 affected components
Systemd Project Systemd<237
Debian Debian Linux=8.0
openSUSE Leap=42.3

Event History

Jan 29, 2018
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:00 AM
Description

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2017-18078?

CVE-2017-18078 is a vulnerability in systemd-tmpfiles in systemd before version 237 that allows local users to bypass access restrictions and escalate privileges.

2

What is the severity of CVE-2017-18078?

CVE-2017-18078 has a severity score of 7.8, which is considered high.

3

Which software versions are affected by CVE-2017-18078?

Systemd version up to 237, Debian Linux version 8.0, and openSUSE Leap version 42.3 are affected by CVE-2017-18078.

4

How does CVE-2017-18078 work?

CVE-2017-18078 allows local users to bypass access restrictions by exploiting ownership/permission changes on hardlinked files.

5

Are there any references related to CVE-2017-18078?

Yes, you can find more information about CVE-2017-18078 at the following links: http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2018-02/msg00109.html, http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/146184/systemd-Local-Privilege-Escalation.html, http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2018/01/29/3.

Contact

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