CVE-2018-5333 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel versions up to 4.14.13, specifically in the rds_cmsg_atomic function, leading to a NULL pointer dereference.

Understanding CVE-2018-5333

This CVE describes a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that mishandles certain situations, potentially resulting in a NULL pointer dereference.

What is CVE-2018-5333?

The vulnerability occurs in the rds_cmsg_atomic function in the net/rds/rdma.c file, where it fails to handle cases of page pinning failure or invalid address provision, leading to a NULL pointer dereference in the rds_atomic_free_op.

The Impact of CVE-2018-5333

The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) or potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-5333

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The rds_cmsg_atomic function in the Linux kernel through version 4.14.13 mishandles cases where page pinning fails or an invalid address is supplied, resulting in an rds_atomic_free_op NULL pointer dereference.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: Linux kernel versions up to 4.14.13
Affected Component: rds_cmsg_atomic function in net/rds/rdma.c

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by providing an invalid address or causing page pinning to fail, triggering the NULL pointer dereference.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-5333 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers promptly.
Monitor official sources for security advisories related to the Linux kernel.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version.
Implement proper access controls and network segmentation to reduce the attack surface.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by the Linux kernel community.
Ensure timely application of patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.