Linux Kernel Network File System NULL Pointer Dereference Vulnerability [CVE-2018-16871]

CVE number – CVE-2018-16871

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 is due to a NULL pointer dereference condition that exists in the Network File System (NFS) implementation of the affected software. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by mounting an exported NFS filesystem. A successful exploit could cause a NULL pointer dereference condition due to an invalid NFS sequence, resulting in a DoS condition on the targeted system. Kernel.org has confirmed the vulnerability and released a software patch.

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 commit at the following link: commit 01310bb7c9c98752cc763b36532fab028e0f8f81

Fixed Software

• Kernel.org has released a patch at the following link: nfsd: COPY and CLONE operations require the saved filehandle to be set