Zero-day vulnerability in Linux kernel
Use-after-free error
CVE-2016-0728
The critical Linux kernel flaw (CVE-2016-0728) has been identified by a group of researchers at a startup named Perception Point.
The vulnerability has existed since 2012, but was disclosed in January, 2016.
Vulnerability details
Advisory: SB2016011901 - Privilege escalation in Linux kernel
Vulnerable component: Linux kernel
CVE-ID: CVE-2016-0728
CVSSv3 score: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:F/RL:O/RC:C
CWE-ID: CWE-119 - Memory corruption
Description:
The vulnerability allows a local attacker to gain elevated privileges on the target system.
The weakness exists due to use-after-free error in the join_session_keyring() function in security/keys/process_keys.c when handling keyring object reference counting by Linux kernel's key management subsystem. A local attacker can overflow the usage field via a specially crafted object and execute arbitrary code with root privileges.
Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may result in arbitrary code execution on the vulnerable system.
Note: the vulnerability was being actively exploited.
Public Exploits:
- Linux Kernel 4.4.1 - REFCOUNT Overflow/Use-After-Free in Keyrings Privilege Escalation (1) [Exploit-DB]
- Linux Kernel 4.4.1 - REFCOUNT Overflow/Use-After-Free in Keyrings Privilege Escalation (1) [Exploit-DB]
- Linux Kernel 4.4.1 - REFCOUNT Overflow/Use-After-Free in Keyrings Privilege Escalation (2) [Exploit-DB]
External links:
http://thehackernews.com/2016/01/linux-kernel-hacker.html
http://perception-point.io/2016/01/14/analysis-and-exploitation-of-a-linux-kernel-vulnerability-cve-...
https://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/linux-cve-2016-0728-0-day-local-privilege-escalation-vulnerability-fix...
http://williamdurand.fr/2016/01/21/patching-linux-kernel-raspbian/
http://securityaffairs.co/wordpress/43758/hacking/linux-kernel-vulnerability-fixed.html
http://www.pcworld.com/article/3023870/security/linux-kernel-flaw-endangers-millions-of-pcs-servers-...
https://syslint.com/blog/tutorial/new-linux-kernel-zero-day-exploit-vulnerability-cve-2016-0728/
https://l3net.wordpress.com/2016/01/20/firejail-target-practice-cve-2016-0728/
https://threatpost.com/serious-linux-kernel-vulnerability-patched/115923/
http://www.securityweek.com/linux-kernel-flaw-puts-millions-devices-risk