CVE-2017-2636: Race Condition

Published Mar 2, 2017
·
Updated

A race condition flaw was found in the NHLDC Linux kernel driver when accessing nhdlc.tbuf that can lead to double free.

A local, unprivileged user able to set the HDLC line discipline on the tty device could use this flaw to increase their privileges on the system.

Other sources

Race condition in drivers/tty/nhdlc.c in the Linux kernel through 4.10.1 allows local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (double free) by setting the HDLC line discipline.

— MITRE

Affected Software

11 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel>=2.6.31<3.2.87
Linux Linux kernel>=3.3<3.10.106
Linux Linux kernel>=3.11<3.12.72
Linux Linux kernel>=3.13<3.16.42
Linux Linux kernel>=3.17<3.18.49
Linux Linux kernel>=3.19<4.1.49
Linux Linux kernel>=4.2<4.4.54
Linux Linux kernel>=4.5<4.9.15
Linux Linux kernel>=4.10<4.10.3
Debian Debian Linux=8.0
debian/linux
6.1.176-16.1.190-16.12.107-16.12.116-17.2.15-17.3.4-1

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 6.1.190-1Fixed in 6.12.107-1Fixed in 6.12.116-1Fixed in 7.2.15-1Fixed in 7.3.4-1

Event History

Mar 2, 2017
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·10:06 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Mar 7, 2017
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:00 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·10:59 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Peer vulnerabilities

Found alongside the following vulnerabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2017-2636?

CVE-2017-2636 is classified as a high severity vulnerability due to its potential to allow privilege escalation.

2

Who is affected by CVE-2017-2636?

Local, unprivileged users on affected versions of the Linux kernel can exploit CVE-2017-2636.

3

How does CVE-2017-2636 exploit a vulnerability?

CVE-2017-2636 exploits a race condition in the N_HLDC Linux kernel driver leading to a double free condition.

4

How do I fix CVE-2017-2636?

To fix CVE-2017-2636, it is recommended to update to a patched version of the Linux kernel that resolves this issue.

5

What versions of the Linux kernel are affected by CVE-2017-2636?

CVE-2017-2636 affects various versions of the Linux kernel, specifically those between 2.6.31 and 4.10.3.

Contact

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