USN-3159-1: Linux kernel vulnerability

Published Dec 20, 2016
·
Updated

It was discovered that a race condition existed in the procfs environread function in the Linux kernel, leading to an integer underflow. A local attacker could use this to expose sensitive information (kernel memory).

Affected Software

28 affected componentsFixes available
All of the following
ubuntu/linux-image-3.2.0-119-generic-pae<3.2.0-119.162
3.2.0-119.162
Ubuntu Ubuntu=12.04
All of the following
ubuntu/linux-image-3.2.0-119-omap<3.2.0-119.162
3.2.0-119.162
Ubuntu Ubuntu=12.04
All of the following
ubuntu/linux-image-powerpc-smp<3.2.0.119.134
3.2.0.119.134
Ubuntu Ubuntu=12.04
All of the following
ubuntu/linux-image-3.2.0-119-powerpc-smp<3.2.0-119.162
3.2.0-119.162
Ubuntu Ubuntu=12.04
All of the following
ubuntu/linux-image-generic-pae<3.2.0.119.134
3.2.0.119.134
Ubuntu Ubuntu=12.04
All of the following
ubuntu/linux-image-highbank<3.2.0.119.134
3.2.0.119.134
Ubuntu Ubuntu=12.04
All of the following
ubuntu/linux-image-3.2.0-119-powerpc64-smp<3.2.0-119.162
3.2.0-119.162
Ubuntu Ubuntu=12.04
All of the following
ubuntu/linux-image-virtual<3.2.0.119.134
3.2.0.119.134
Ubuntu Ubuntu=12.04
All of the following
ubuntu/linux-image-powerpc64-smp<3.2.0.119.134
3.2.0.119.134
Ubuntu Ubuntu=12.04
All of the following
ubuntu/linux-image-generic<3.2.0.119.134
3.2.0.119.134
Ubuntu Ubuntu=12.04
All of the following
ubuntu/linux-image-3.2.0-119-highbank<3.2.0-119.162
3.2.0-119.162
Ubuntu Ubuntu=12.04
All of the following
ubuntu/linux-image-3.2.0-119-virtual<3.2.0-119.162
3.2.0-119.162
Ubuntu Ubuntu=12.04
All of the following
ubuntu/linux-image-omap<3.2.0.119.134
3.2.0.119.134
Ubuntu Ubuntu=12.04
All of the following
ubuntu/linux-image-3.2.0-119-generic<3.2.0-119.162
3.2.0-119.162
Ubuntu Ubuntu=12.04

Event History

Dec 20, 2016
Advisory Published
via Ubuntu·12:00 AM

Child vulnerabilities

Contains the following vulnerabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the vulnerability ID of USN-3159-1?

USN-3159-1 is the vulnerability ID for the Linux kernel vulnerability.

2

What is the severity of USN-3159-1?

The severity of USN-3159-1 is not provided in the information.

3

How does the Linux kernel vulnerability impact my system?

The Linux kernel vulnerability can expose sensitive information from kernel memory.

4

How can I fix the Linux kernel vulnerability?

To fix the Linux kernel vulnerability, update your system to version 3.2.0-119.162 or higher.

5

Where can I find more information about the Linux kernel vulnerability?

You can find more information about the Linux kernel vulnerability at the following references: [CVE-2016-7916](https://ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2016-7916), [USN-3160-2](https://ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-3160-2), [USN-3159-2](https://ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-3159-2).

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