CVE-2017-10911 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-10911, a vulnerability in the Linux kernel prior to version 4.11.8. Discover how users of guest operating systems can exploit this flaw to access confidential data in the kernel memory.
Xen-blkback.c, a file in the drivers/block/xen-blkback folder of the Linux kernel prior to version 4.11.8, contains a vulnerability identified as XSA-216. This flaw allows users of guest operating systems to access confidential data in the kernel memory of the host operating system or other guest operating systems.
Understanding CVE-2017-10911
This CVE pertains to a security vulnerability in the Linux kernel.
What is CVE-2017-10911?
The make_response function in drivers/block/xen-blkback/blkback.c in the Linux kernel before 4.11.8 allows guest OS users to obtain sensitive information from host OS (or other guest OS) kernel memory by leveraging the copying of uninitialized padding fields in Xen block-interface response structures, aka XSA-216.
The Impact of CVE-2017-10911
The vulnerability can be exploited by users of guest operating systems to gain access to confidential data stored in the kernel memory of the host operating system or other guest operating systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-10911
This section provides technical details of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The make_response function in drivers/block/xen-blkback/blkback.c in the Linux kernel before 4.11.8 has a vulnerability that allows guest OS users to access sensitive information from the host OS or other guest OS kernel memory.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: n/a
- Vendor: n/a
- Versions affected: Linux kernel versions prior to 4.11.8
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability occurs due to the uninitialized padding fields in the response structures of the Xen block-interface.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from the CVE-2017-10911 vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update to Linux kernel version 4.11.8 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor vendor advisories and apply patches promptly.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch your systems to address known vulnerabilities.
- Implement strong access controls and segregation of duties to limit unauthorized access.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security updates for the Linux kernel and apply them as soon as they are available.