Actively exploited vulnerability
Linux Kernel: improper access control flaw under attack
CVE-2010-3904 · Linux Kernel Improper Input Validation Vulnerability
What is affected
Linux Kernel is found on ordinary personal computers and phones, so this is not only a problem for companies. If you use it and have not updated since the fix was released, you are exposed.
Linux Kernel contains an improper input validation vulnerability in the Reliable Datagram Sockets (RDS) protocol implementation that allows local users to gain privileges via crafted use of the sendmsg and recvmsg system calls.
What an attacker can do
This is a improper access control flaw. It lets an attacker perform actions or reach data that should be restricted to authorised users.
- How it is reached
- Needs access to the device or a file opened on it
- Access the attacker needs
- A basic user account
- Does the victim have to do something?
- No, works without the victim doing anything
What to do
- Update Linux Kernel now. Open the update or "About" screen, install whatever is offered and restart the app or device, because the fix is not active until you do.
- Turn on automatic updates so the next fix arrives without you having to look for it.
- If your device is too old to receive this update, stop using the affected app for anything sensitive and plan a replacement.
The impacted product is end-of-life and should be disconnected if still in use.
Vendor advisories and fixes
- lkml.iu.edulkml.iu.edu/hypermail/linux/kernel/1601.3/06474.html
How urgent is it
CISA added this vulnerability to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on May 12, 2023, which means there is reliable evidence of attacks in the wild. US federal agencies must fix it by June 2, 2023, a deadline that has already passed. That deadline does not bind anyone else, but it shows how seriously the agency rates it.
The EPSS model estimates a 16% probability that this flaw will be exploited somewhere in the next 30 days. That is higher than 97% of all scored vulnerabilities.
Its CVSS severity score is 7.8 out of 10 (high), as recorded in the US National Vulnerability Database.
Technical description
The rds_page_copy_user function in net/rds/page.c in the Reliable Datagram Sockets (RDS) protocol implementation in the Linux kernel before 2.6.36 does not properly validate addresses obtained from user space, which allows local users to gain privileges via crafted use of the sendmsg and recvmsg system calls.