CVE-2017-15306 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A local attacker can trigger a denial of service on systems running Linux kernel versions prior to 4.13.11 by exploiting a specific function.

Understanding CVE-2017-15306

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that allows a local attacker to cause a denial of service by exploiting a particular function.

What is CVE-2017-15306?

The vulnerability in the Linux kernel version before 4.13.11 enables a local attacker to crash the system by triggering a NULL pointer dereference through a specific ioctl call.

The Impact of CVE-2017-15306

Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to a denial of service condition, causing the system to crash and potentially disrupting operations.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-15306

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the kvm_vm_ioctl_check_extension function in arch/powerpc/kvm/powerpc.c, allowing local users to crash the system through a KVM_CHECK_EXTENSION KVM_CAP_PPC_HTM ioctl call.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running Linux kernel versions prior to 4.13.11

Exploitation Mechanism

By making a specific ioctl call to /dev/kvm, a local attacker can trigger a NULL pointer dereference, leading to a system crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-15306 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Linux kernel to version 4.13.11 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any unusual activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict access and limit the impact of potential attacks.
Regularly apply security patches and updates to ensure system resilience.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches released by the Linux kernel maintainers to address known vulnerabilities.