CVE-2017-15951 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2017-15951 was published on October 28, 2017, and affects the Linux kernel's KEYS subsystem prior to version 4.13.10. This vulnerability can be exploited by local users to cause a denial of service or potentially have other unspecified impacts through certain system calls.

Understanding CVE-2017-15951

This CVE entry highlights a synchronization issue in the Linux kernel's KEYS subsystem, leading to a race condition that can be leveraged by local users for malicious purposes.

What is CVE-2017-15951?

The Linux kernel's KEYS subsystem, before version 4.13.10, lacks proper synchronization when updating and finding a key in the "negative" state. This flaw allows local users to trigger a race condition, potentially resulting in a denial of service or other impacts via specific system calls.

The Impact of CVE-2017-15951

The vulnerability in the KEYS subsystem of the Linux kernel can be exploited by local users to disrupt system operations, leading to a denial of service or other adverse effects. The lack of synchronization in key actions poses a security risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-15951

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The Linux kernel's KEYS subsystem, prior to version 4.13.10, suffers from a synchronization issue between updating and finding a key in the "negative" state. This flaw enables local users to exploit race conditions, potentially causing a denial of service or other unspecified impacts via specific system calls.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: Not applicable
Affected Versions: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises due to the lack of synchronization in the KEYS subsystem, allowing local users to manipulate system calls to trigger a race condition, leading to a denial of service or other potential impacts.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we outline the steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2017-15951.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Linux kernel to version 4.13.10 or later to address the synchronization issue in the KEYS subsystem.
Monitor system calls and user activities for any suspicious behavior that could indicate an attempt to exploit the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access and minimize the impact of potential attacks.
Regularly review and update security configurations to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by the Linux kernel community to promptly address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.