Critical Vulnerability in xorg-server: Shared Memory Exploitation Risk
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2017-13721: In X.Org Server (aka xserver and xorg-server) before 1.19.4, an attacker authenticated to an X server with the X shared memory extension enabled can cause aborts of the X server or replace shared memory segments of other... Affects xorg-server versions < 1.19.5-r0. Fixed in 1.19.5-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
xorg-server is a core component of the X Window System, providing the essential framework for graphical user interfaces on Unix-like operating systems. It manages graphical displays and input devices, enabling applications to render graphics and receive user input. The xorg-server package is widely used in various Linux distributions, including Alpine Linux. However, prior to version 1.19.5-r0, it was found to be vulnerable to a security flaw that could allow an authenticated attacker to disrupt the server's operation or manipulate shared memory segments of other clients.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2017-13721, exists in xorg-server versions before 1.19.4. It allows an attacker who is authenticated to an X server with the shared memory extension enabled to cause the X server to abort or replace shared memory segments of other clients in the same session. This could lead to denial of service or unauthorized access to sensitive data, posing a significant risk to system integrity and user privacy.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.19.5-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade xorg-serverTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, consider disabling the X shared memory extension if it is not required for your applications. This can be done by modifying the X server configuration file to prevent the extension from loading.
Conclusion
The xorg-server vulnerability CVE-2017-13721 poses a significant risk to systems using affected versions of the package. It is crucial for users to update to the patched version 1.19.5-r0 or later to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and manage vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
CVE-2017-13721 is a vulnerability in the xorg-server package that allows authenticated attackers to exploit shared memory segments, potentially leading to server crashes or unauthorized data access.
You can use the Vulert platform to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your manifest file like package-lock.json to monitor for open-source vulnerabilities.
If exploited, this vulnerability can lead to denial of service attacks or unauthorized access to shared memory segments, compromising the security of the system.
Yes, the permanent fix is to update the xorg-server package to version 1.19.5-r0 or later, which addresses the vulnerability.
Vulert is a monitoring tool that alerts users to open-source vulnerabilities in their software. It requires only a manifest file to provide real-time alerts without needing code access or installation.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for xorg-server.
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