CVE-2017-18216 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-18216, a critical denial of service vulnerability in the Linux kernel prior to version 4.15. Find out how local users can exploit this issue and discover mitigation strategies.
A denial of service vulnerability in the Linux kernel version prior to 4.15 can be exploited by local users. The issue originates from a missing mutex in fs/ocfs2/cluster/nodemanager.c.
Understanding CVE-2017-18216
This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel that could result in a denial of service attack.
What is CVE-2017-18216?
The absence of a crucial mutex in the Linux kernel version prior to 4.15, specifically in the file fs/ocfs2/cluster/nodemanager.c, may lead to a denial of service initiated by local users.
The Impact of CVE-2017-18216
The vulnerability can result in a null pointer dereference and BUG, causing a denial of service attack by local users.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-18216
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
Local users can trigger a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and BUG) due to the absence of a required mutex in fs/ocfs2/cluster/nodemanager.c in the Linux kernel before version 4.15.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions affected: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by local users to cause a denial of service attack due to the missing mutex in the specified file.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-18216 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply relevant security patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers.
- Monitor for any unusual system behavior that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
- Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access and minimize the impact of potential attacks.
- Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address security weaknesses.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Linux kernel vendors.
- Promptly apply patches and updates to ensure the system is protected against known vulnerabilities.