Denial of Service Vulnerability in Linux Package: Remote Attack via veth Driver
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2013-2017: The veth (aka virtual Ethernet) driver in the Linux kernel before 2.6.34 does not properly manage skbs during congestion, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (system crash) by leveraging lack of sk... Affects linux versions < 2.6.34-1. Fixed in 2.6.34-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux package is a core component of the Debian operating system, providing essential functionalities for managing system resources and hardware interactions. The veth driver, which facilitates virtual Ethernet connections, is crucial for network virtualization. However, it has been identified to have a vulnerability that can be exploited by remote attackers, leading to potential system crashes.
Vulnerability Detail
The veth driver in the Linux kernel prior to version 2.6.34 fails to manage socket buffers (skbs) properly during network congestion. This oversight allows remote attackers to exploit the lack of skb consumption, which can lead to a double-free error and ultimately cause a denial of service (system crash). The vulnerability is significant as it can disrupt services and compromise system stability.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.6.34-1
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
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the patch by updating the package as described above.
Conclusion
The veth driver vulnerability in the Linux package poses a significant risk of denial of service through remote exploitation. Users are strongly advised to update to the patched version to ensure system stability and security. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
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FAQ
The vulnerability allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service by exploiting improper management of socket buffers in the veth driver.
You can use tools like Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to system crashes, resulting in downtime and potential data loss.
Yes, the vulnerability is fixed in version 2.6.34-1 and later of the Linux package.
While there are no specific workarounds, it is crucial to prioritize updating the package to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
References
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