CVE-2018-10021 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel prior to version 4.16 can be exploited by local users to cause a denial of service. The significance of this report is disputed due to the specific conditions required for exploitation.

Understanding CVE-2018-10021

This CVE entry describes a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that could lead to a denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2018-10021?

The vulnerability exists in the file drivers/scsi/libsas/sas_scsi_host.c in the Linux kernel before version 4.16. It can be triggered by local users to cause a denial of service by exploiting specific failure conditions.

The Impact of CVE-2018-10021

The vulnerability allows local users to trigger certain failure conditions, resulting in a denial of service. However, a third party disputes the relevance of this report, stating that the attack can only occur under specific physical proximity conditions.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-10021

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in drivers/scsi/libsas/sas_scsi_host.c allows local users to cause a denial of service by triggering specific failure conditions.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Linux kernel versions prior to 4.16 are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

Local users can exploit the vulnerability by triggering certain failure conditions in the specified file.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-10021 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor and restrict physical access to systems to prevent unauthorized users from exploiting the vulnerability.
Regularly update the Linux kernel to versions beyond 4.16 to mitigate the risk.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict access controls and user permissions to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address any weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Linux kernel updates to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.