User-Mode Linux Kernel Memory Access Vulnerability

BID:3973

Info

User-Mode Linux Kernel Memory Access Vulnerability

Bugtraq ID: 3973
Class: Design Error
CVE:
Remote: No
Local: Yes
Published: Aug 25 2000 12:00AM
Updated: Aug 25 2000 12:00AM
Credit: Documented on the User-Mode Linux Homepage. Details on exploitation and problem posted to the BugTraq mailing list by "Andrew Griffiths" <[email protected]>.
Vulnerable: User-Mode Linux User-Mode Linux 2.4.17 -8
Not Vulnerable: User-Mode Linux User-Mode Linux 2.4.17 -9

Discussion

User-Mode Linux Kernel Memory Access Vulnerability

User-Mode Linux (UML) is a patch which allows the Linux Kernel to run as a user space process. It is currently available for the Linux operating system. It may be used as an efficient tool for kernel development, as well as for virtual networking, honeypots, and experimentation.

UML does not correctly protect kernel address space from user programs within the UML environment. It may be possible to execute arbitrary code within the kernel and gain root access. Additionally, it may be possible to use this vulnerability to escape the UML environment, leading to local access on the hosting system.

This is a known problem with the current UML implementation. Memory protection may be partially implemented at this time.

Exploit / POC

User-Mode Linux Kernel Memory Access Vulnerability

Currently the SecurityFocus staff are not aware of any exploits for this issue. If you feel we are in error or are aware of more recent information, please mail us at: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>.

The tool mpmt may be used to explore this vulnerability, and has been contributed by Andrew Griffiths <[email protected]>:

Solution / Fix

User-Mode Linux Kernel Memory Access Vulnerability

Solution:
This vulnerability has been acknowledged by the User-Mode Linux team, and kernel memory protection should be fully implemented in a future version of the product.

Currently the SecurityFocus staff are not aware of any vendor-supplied patches for this issue. If you feel we are in error or are aware of more recent information, please mail us at: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>.

References

User-Mode Linux Kernel Memory Access Vulnerability

References:

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