Linux Kernel Hardware Transactional Memory Local Denial of Service Vulnerability [CVE-2019-13648]
CVE Number – CVE-2019-13648
A vulnerability in the Linux Kernel could allow a local attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on a targeted system.
The vulnerability exists in the arch/powerpc/kernel/signal_32.c and arch/powerpc/kernel/signal_64.csource code files of the affected software running on PowerPC platforms that have hardware transactional memory disabled. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by making a sigreturn() system call that sends a signal frame that submits malicious input to the targeted system. A successful exploit could cause the software to crash, resulting in a DoS condition.
Kernel.org has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.
Analysis
- To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have user-level access to the targeted system. This access requirement could reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.
Safeguards
- 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.
Vendor Announcements
- Kernel.org has released a git commit at the following link: commit c7ce5fe9288c5692fa456a804cf5ea5976d842f1
Fixed Software
- Kernel.org has released software updates at the following link: powerpc/tm: Fix oops on sigreturn on systems without TM
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.