ZDI-CAN-17194: Linux Kernel LightNVM Subsystem Heap-based Overflow Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Linux Kernel. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute high-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the LightNVM subsystem. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the kernel.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is exposed to exploitation?
Exposure is limited to local attackers on affected Linux Kernel installations who can already execute high-privileged code on the target. Remote-only access is not sufficient based on the available information.
What level of access does an attacker need before exploitation?
The attacker must first obtain the ability to execute high-privileged code on the system. Successful exploitation can then escalate privileges further and execute arbitrary code in the kernel context.
What component should be assessed when determining exposure?
Assess whether the Linux Kernel LightNVM subsystem is present and in use on the affected installation. The flaw is in handling user-supplied data lengths before copying data into a fixed-length heap buffer.