CVE-2017-15299 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

CVE-2017-15299 was published on October 14, 2017, and affects the KEYS component in the Linux kernel up to version 4.13.7. This vulnerability can be exploited by local users to cause a denial of service or potentially trigger other unspecified vulnerabilities.

Understanding CVE-2017-15299

This CVE entry describes a flaw in the handling of add_key in the KEYS component of the Linux kernel, leading to a denial of service vulnerability.

What is CVE-2017-15299?

The KEYS component in the Linux kernel up to version 4.13.7 does not handle the use of add_key properly when a key already exists but is not yet instantiated. This allows local users to exploit the flaw, leading to a denial of service by triggering a NULL pointer dereference and system crash, or potentially exploiting other unspecified vulnerabilities through a carefully crafted system call.

The Impact of CVE-2017-15299

The impact of this vulnerability includes the potential for local users to cause a denial of service by crashing the system or exploiting other vulnerabilities.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-15299

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The KEYS subsystem in the Linux kernel through 4.13.7 mishandles the use of add_key for a key that already exists but is uninstantiated, allowing local users to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and system crash) or potentially have other unspecified impacts via a crafted system call.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Component: KEYS subsystem in the Linux kernel
Affected Versions: Up to version 4.13.7

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by local users through the misuse of the add_key function when a key already exists but is not instantiated, leading to a denial of service or potential exploitation of other vulnerabilities.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-15299 requires immediate steps and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers or respective vendors.
Monitor security mailing lists and advisories for updates related to this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version.
Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access and actions.

Patching and Updates

Check for and apply security updates and patches released by Linux distributions and vendors.