Linux kernel O_DIRECT information leak
| linux-odirect-information-leak (11249) |  Medium Risk |
Description:
Linux kernel fails to properly handle the O_DIRECT feature, which could result in an information leak. A local attacker with write privileges on the system could exploit this vulnerability to read portions of previously deleted files, and possibly corrupt the file system.
Platforms Affected:
- Debian, Debian Linux 3.0
- Linux, Kernel 2.4.10
- Linux, Kernel 2.4.11
- Linux, Kernel 2.4.12
- Linux, Kernel 2.4.13
- Linux, Kernel 2.4.14
- Linux, Kernel 2.4.15
- Linux, Kernel 2.4.16
- Linux, Kernel 2.4.17
- Linux, Kernel 2.4.18
- Linux, Kernel 2.4.19
- MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 9.0
- RedHat, Linux 7.1
- RedHat, Linux 7.2
- RedHat, Linux 7.3
- RedHat, Linux 8.0
Remedy:
For Red Hat Linux:
Upgrade to the latest kernel package, as listed below. Refer to RHSA-2003:025-20 for more information. See References.
Red Hat 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3: 2.4.18-24.7.x or later
Red Hat 8.0: 2.4.18-24.8.0 or later
For Mandrake Linux:
Upgrade to the latest kernel package, as listed below. Refer to MandrakeSoft Security Advisory MDKSA-2003:014:kernel for more information. See References.
Mandrake Linux 9.0: 2.4.19.24mdk-1-1mdk or later
For Debian GNU/Linux 3.0 (woody) containing the kernel package:
Upgrade to the latest kernel package (2.4.18-1 or later), as listed in DSA-358-4. See References.
For Debian GNU/Linux 3.0 (woody) containing the kernel-image-2.4.17-ia64 package:
Upgrade to the latest kernel-image-2.4.17-ia64 package (011226.15 or later), as listed in DSA-423-1. See References.
For other distributions:
Contact your vendor for upgrade or patch information.
Consequences:
Obtain Information
References:
- CIAC Information Bulletin O-059, Debian Linux-Kernel-2.4.14-ia64 Vulnerabilities at http://www.ciac.org/ciac/bulletins/o-059.shtml.
- BID-6763: Linux O_DIRECT Direct Input/Output Information Leak Vulnerability
- CVE-2003-0018: Linux kernel 2.4.10 through 2.4.21-pre4 does not properly handle the O_DIRECT feature, which allows local attackers with write privileges to read portions of previously deleted files, or cause file system corruption.
- DSA-358: linux-kernel-2.4.18 -- several vulnerabilities
- DSA-423: linux-kernel-2.4.17-ia64 -- several vulnerabilities
- MDKSA-2003:014: Updated kernel packages fix a number of bugs
- RHSA-2003-025: Updated 2.4 kernel fixes various vulnerabilities
Reported:
Feb 03, 2003
The information within this database may change without notice. Use of this information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are NO warranties, implied or otherwise, with regard to this information or its use. Any use of this information is at the user's risk. In no event shall the author/distributor (Internet Security Systems X-Force) be held liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use or spread of this information.
Copyright (c) 1994-2008 Internet Security Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.
For corrections or additions please email xforce@iss.net