CVE-2020-8428: Use After Free

Published Jan 28, 2020
·
Updated

fs/namei.c in the Linux kernel before 5.5 has a maycreateinsticky use-after-free, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (OOPS) or possibly obtain sensitive information from kernel memory, aka CID-d0cb50185ae9. One attack vector may be an open system call for a UNIX domain socket, if the socket is being moved to a new parent directory and its old parent directory is being removed.

Affected Software

3 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel>=4.19<5.5
Google Android
debian/linux
6.1.176-16.1.190-16.12.107-16.12.115-27.2.12-17.2.15-1

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 6.12.115-2Fixed in 7.2.12-1Fixed in 7.2.15-1
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade Linux kernel to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.5

Event History

Jan 28, 2020
CVE Published
via MITRE·11:43 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·11:43 PM
Description
Jan 29, 2020
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·12:00 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via NVD·12:15 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jun 1, 2020
Data Sourced
via Android·12:00 AM
SeverityWeaknessAffected 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-2020-8428?

CVE-2020-8428 is classified as a high severity vulnerability due to its potential to cause denial of service or leak sensitive information from kernel memory.

2

How do I fix CVE-2020-8428?

To fix CVE-2020-8428, update your Linux kernel to a version above 5.5, such as 5.10.223-1 or later.

3

Who is affected by CVE-2020-8428?

CVE-2020-8428 affects users running Linux kernel versions prior to 5.5, including certain distributions of Debian and Google Android.

4

What types of attacks can exploit CVE-2020-8428?

CVE-2020-8428 can be exploited via a local attack that may involve the misuse of the open system call for UNIX domain sockets.

5

What is the impact of CVE-2020-8428 on affected systems?

The impact of CVE-2020-8428 includes potential denial of service and exposure of sensitive information from kernel memory.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203