Linux Kernel write_extent_buffer() Function Out-of-Bounds Access Vulnerability [CVE-2018-14610]
CVE Number – CVE-2018-14610
A vulnerability in the write_extent_buffer() function of the Linux Kernel could allow a local attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on a targeted system.
The vulnerability is due to insufficient verification that each block group has a corresponding chunk at mount time in the btrfs_read_block_groups() function, as defined in fs/btrfs/extent-tree.c source code file of the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by mounting and operating a Btrfs filesystem image that submits malicious input to the affected software. A successful exploit could trigger an out-of-bounds access condition in the write_extent_buffer() function, resulting in a DoS condition.
Proof-of-concept (PoC) code that demonstrates an exploit of this vulnerability is publicly available.
Kernel.org has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.
-
To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have user-level access to the targeted system. This access requirement may reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.
-
Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to access local systems.
Administrators are advised to allow only privileged users to access administration or management systems.
Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.
-
Kernel.org has released a bug report at the following link: Bug 199837
-
Kernel.org has released a patch at the following link: btrfs: Check each block group has corresponding chunk at mount time
Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.