CVE-2018-19788 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability has been discovered in PolicyKit (also known as polkit) version 0.115 that allows a user with a user ID exceeding INT_MAX to execute systemctl commands effectively.

Understanding CVE-2018-19788

This CVE entry describes a vulnerability in PolicyKit version 0.115 that could be exploited by a user with a user ID greater than INT_MAX.

What is CVE-2018-19788?

CVE-2018-19788 is a flaw in PolicyKit (polkit) 0.115 that enables a user with a UID greater than INT_MAX to successfully execute any systemctl command.

The Impact of CVE-2018-19788

The vulnerability allows unauthorized users to execute systemctl commands effectively, potentially leading to unauthorized system changes and actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-19788

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in PolicyKit version 0.115 allows users with user IDs exceeding INT_MAX to execute systemctl commands.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: 0.115
Systems using PolicyKit version 0.115

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by users with user IDs greater than the maximum integer value to execute systemctl commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-19788, follow these mitigation and prevention steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update PolicyKit to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Limit user privileges to minimize the impact of potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement least privilege access controls to restrict user capabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by PolicyKit to fix the vulnerability and enhance system security.