CVE-2018-10840 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2018-10840, a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to a heap-based buffer overflow in the ext4 filesystem's xattr.c source code. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
CVE-2018-10840 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to a heap-based buffer overflow in the ext4 filesystem's xattr.c source code.
Understanding CVE-2018-10840
What is CVE-2018-10840?
The function ext4_xattr_set_entry() in the fs/ext4/xattr.c source code of the Linux kernel has a vulnerability that may result in a heap-based buffer overflow. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker with access to a mounted ext4 image crafted for this purpose.
The Impact of CVE-2018-10840
The vulnerability has a CVSSv3 base score of 5.2, indicating a medium severity issue with high availability impact.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-10840
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in ext4_xattr_set_entry() can lead to a heap-based buffer overflow.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: heap-based buffer overflow in fs/ext4/xattr.c
- Vendor: kernel
- Affected Version: n/a
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker who has access to a mounted ext4 image specifically crafted for this purpose.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches provided by the vendor
- Monitor vendor advisories for updates
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch systems
- Implement least privilege access controls
Patching and Updates
Ensure that the Linux kernel is regularly updated with the latest security patches.