CVE-2017-7618 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's crypto/ahash.c file can lead to a denial of service attack due to infinite recursion triggered by an EBUSY condition.

Understanding CVE-2017-7618

This CVE entry describes a flaw in the Linux kernel that could be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service by manipulating a specific file within the kernel.

What is CVE-2017-7618?

The vulnerability in the Linux kernel's crypto/ahash.c file allows attackers to execute a denial of service attack by inducing infinite recursion through triggering an EBUSY condition on a full queue.

The Impact of CVE-2017-7618

Exploiting this vulnerability can result in a denial of service attack, potentially disrupting the affected system's normal operation. The issue affects Linux kernel versions up to 4.10.9.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-7618

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

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in crypto/ahash.c in the Linux kernel up to version 4.10.9 enables attackers to cause a denial of service by triggering EBUSY on a full queue, leading to infinite recursion.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Linux kernel versions up to 4.10.9.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by inducing an EBUSY condition on a full queue, causing the API operation to call its own callback and resulting in infinite recursion.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-7618 involves taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply relevant patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual system behavior that could indicate a potential exploitation attempt.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version to ensure all security patches are applied.
Employ network security measures to detect and block malicious traffic that could exploit this vulnerability.

Patching and Updates

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