CVE-2017-17975 : What You Need to Know

CVE-2017-17975 was published on December 30, 2017, and affects the Linux kernel up to version 4.14.10. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit a use-after-free issue in the "usbtv_probe" function, potentially leading to a denial of service or other consequences.

Understanding CVE-2017-17975

This CVE entry describes a specific vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can be exploited by attackers to cause system crashes or other adverse effects.

What is CVE-2017-17975?

CVE-2017-17975 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's "usbtv_probe" function, found in drivers/media/usb/usbtv/usbtv-core.c up to version 4.14.10. Attackers can trigger a denial of service by causing a failure in audio registration.

The Impact of CVE-2017-17975

The vulnerability can result in a system crash (denial of service) or potentially lead to other unspecified consequences. This occurs due to the simultaneous access and freeing of the usbtv data structure in the code.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-17975

This section provides more in-depth technical details about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel allows attackers to exploit the "usbtv_probe" function, potentially causing a denial of service or other impacts by triggering audio registration failure.

Affected Systems and Versions

Linux kernel versions up to 4.14.10 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the use-after-free issue in the "usbtv_probe" function to cause a failure in audio registration, leading to a denial of service or other consequences.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-17975 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers to address the vulnerability.
Monitor security advisories from relevant vendors for updates and mitigation guidance.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement secure coding practices to reduce the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by the Linux kernel community to address CVE-2017-17975.