Local Vulnerabilities in Current Kernels
Recent kernel versions back to the older kernel 2.6.17 may contain a vulnerability that can be exploited by local attackers.
Although a fix for the vulnerability is now available, the solution does not seem to be totally secure. A vulnerability gives local attackers the ability to manipulate or hijack the system. Network attackers are said not to work. The vulnerability has been confirmed in kernel versions 2.6.17 through 2.6.24.1. A new kernel version, 2.24.2, was released Monday, however, the developers were not entirely sure if the vulnerability had really been removed. The current developer kernel 2.6.25 is said to have reliably fixed the security bug.
The bug was caused by pointer handling in programs. The "vmsplice" function, which was affected, was introduced with kernel 2.6.17. It supports faster transfer between various memory areas. The vulnerability was caused by incorrect validation by the "vmsplice_to_user()", "copy_from_user_mmap_sem()" and "get_iovec_page_array()" functions prior to performing memory operations. Under certain circumstances attackers could use a carefully crafted call to "vmsplice()" to read or write to kernel memory space.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Mint 22.3 Now Available with New Tools
Linux Mint 22.3 has been released with a pair of new tools for system admins and some pretty cool new features.
-
New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.