CVE-2018-16885 : What You Need to Know
Discover the impact of CVE-2018-16885, a flaw in the Linux kernel version 3.10.x in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 that could lead to memory access faults and system halts. Learn about mitigation strategies and patching recommendations.
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel version 3.10.x as shipped with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 could allow an attacker to trigger a memory access fault, potentially leading to a system halt.
Understanding CVE-2018-16885
This CVE record details a flaw in the Linux kernel that could be exploited to cause a system crash.
What is CVE-2018-16885?
The vulnerability allows userspace to call certain functions with specific parameters, potentially leading to reading beyond buffer boundaries and causing memory access faults.
The Impact of CVE-2018-16885
If exploited, this vulnerability could result in a system halt due to accessing invalid memory addresses, impacting system availability.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-16885
This section provides more technical insights into the CVE-2018-16885 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw enables userspace to call functions with zero offset and buffer length, potentially leading to memory access faults.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Kernel
- Vendor: The Linux Foundation
- Affected Version: 3.10.x as shipped with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Complexity: High
- Attack Vector: Local
- Privileges Required: Low
- Availability Impact: High
- Base Score: 4.7 (Medium Severity)
- CWE ID: CWE-125
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2018-16885, follow these mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply relevant security patches promptly
- Monitor vendor advisories for updates
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch the kernel
- Implement least privilege access controls
Patching and Updates
- Refer to vendor advisories for patch availability and installation instructions