CVE-2018-1095 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2018-1095, a vulnerability in the Linux kernel through version 4.15 that allows attackers to cause a denial of service. Find out how to mitigate and prevent this security risk.
CVE-2018-1095 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel through version 4.15 that allows attackers to cause a denial of service through a specially crafted ext4 image.
Understanding CVE-2018-1095
This CVE involves a vulnerability in the ext4_xattr_check_entries function in the Linux kernel version 4.15.15 and below.
What is CVE-2018-1095?
The ext4_xattr_check_entries function in the Linux kernel version 4.15.15 and below does not adequately verify the sizes of xattr, leading to a misinterpretation of a size as an error code. This flaw can be exploited by attackers to create a malicious ext4 image, resulting in a denial of service, a get_acl NULL pointer dereference, and system crash.
The Impact of CVE-2018-1095
The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service, leading to system crashes and potential security breaches.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-1095
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The ext4_xattr_check_entries function in the Linux kernel version 4.15.15 and below fails to properly verify xattr sizes, allowing attackers to trigger a denial of service.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Linux kernel through version 4.15
- Vendor: n/a
- Versions: Linux kernel through version 4.15
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating a specially crafted ext4 image to trigger a denial of service, leading to a get_acl NULL pointer dereference and system crash.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-1095 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers and vendors promptly.
- Monitor for any unusual system behavior that could indicate an exploit attempt.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch the Linux kernel to address known vulnerabilities.
- Implement proper access controls and monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized access.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that all affected systems are updated with the latest patches and security updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.