CVE-2018-5391 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The Linux kernel, starting from version 3.9, is vulnerable to a denial of service attack due to specially crafted IP fragments.

Understanding CVE-2018-5391

This CVE highlights a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's IP implementation that can lead to denial of service conditions.

What is CVE-2018-5391?

The Linux kernel, versions 3.9 and above, is susceptible to denial of service attacks triggered by carefully manipulated IP fragments targeting IP fragment reassembly.

The Impact of CVE-2018-5391

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted IP fragments, causing denial of service conditions.
The risk is heightened due to an increase in the IP fragment reassembly queue size.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-5391

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability affects the IP implementation in the Linux kernel versions 3.9 and higher.
It can be exploited by sending specially modified packets targeting IP fragment reassembly.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Kernel
Vendor: Linux
Versions Affected: 3.9 and above

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by sending carefully crafted IP fragments to trigger denial of service conditions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-5391 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply relevant security patches provided by the vendor.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of suspicious activity targeting IP fragmentation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version.
Implement network intrusion detection systems to detect and prevent similar attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Linux kernel maintainers and vendors.