Denial of Service Vulnerability in Linux Kernel - CVE-2013-0309
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2013-0309: arch/x86/include/asm/pgtable.h in the Linux kernel before 3.6.2, when transparent huge pages are used, does not properly support PROT_NONE memory regions, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (system cra... Affects linux versions < 3.2.32-1. Fixed in 3.2.32-1. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing hardware resources and providing essential services to applications. It supports a wide range of functionalities, including process management, memory management, and device control. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of PROT_NONE memory regions when transparent huge pages are utilized, exposing systems to potential crashes.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0309 exists in the Linux kernel prior to version 3.6.2. It arises from improper support for PROT_NONE memory regions in the arch/x86/include/asm/pgtable.h file when transparent huge pages are enabled. Local users can exploit this flaw by executing a crafted application, which may lead to a denial of service condition, causing the system to crash. This vulnerability poses significant risks, especially in environments where stability and uptime are critical.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
3.2.32-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linuxTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a workaround, users can disable transparent huge pages if they are not required for their applications. This can be done by modifying the kernel boot parameters or using the following command: 'echo never > /sys/kernel/mm/transparent_hugepage/enabled'. However, this may affect performance depending on the workload.
Conclusion
CVE-2013-0309 represents a notable vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to system crashes due to improper handling of memory regions. It is crucial for users to update their systems to the patched version to mitigate this risk. Additionally, understanding the implications of transparent huge pages can help in managing system performance and security effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
CVE-2013-0309 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that affects the handling of PROT_NONE memory regions, potentially leading to system crashes.
You can use the Vulert platform to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without requiring any signup.
Transparent huge pages are a memory management feature in the Linux kernel that allows the system to manage large pages of memory more efficiently, improving performance for certain workloads.
If updating the kernel is not feasible, consider disabling transparent huge pages as a temporary workaround to mitigate the risk of this vulnerability.
While it may not be classified as critical, it poses a significant risk of denial of service, especially in production environments where system stability is paramount.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.
