Information Disclosure Vulnerability in Linux Kernel - CVE-2011-4917
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2011-4917: In the Linux kernel through 3.1 there is an information disclosure issue via /proc/stat. Affects linux versions 5.10.103-1 – 6.9.9-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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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 is widely used across various platforms, from servers to embedded systems. The kernel's design allows for efficient resource management and multitasking, but it is also susceptible to vulnerabilities that can compromise system security and user privacy.
Vulnerability Detail
CVE-2011-4917 is an information disclosure vulnerability present in the Linux kernel versions up to 3.1. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of the /proc/stat file, which can expose sensitive information about system performance and resource usage. Attackers with local access to the system may exploit this vulnerability to gain insights into system behavior, potentially leading to further attacks or unauthorized access to sensitive data.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can restrict access to the /proc/stat file by modifying file permissions. This can be done using the command: 'chmod 600 /proc/stat', which will limit access to the root user only. However, this is not a permanent solution and updating the kernel is strongly advised.
Conclusion
CVE-2011-4917 is a significant information disclosure vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can expose sensitive system information. Users are strongly encouraged to update their kernel to the latest patched version to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Temporary workarounds can be applied, but they do not replace the need for a proper update.
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FAQ
CVE-2011-4917 is an information disclosure vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can expose sensitive system information through the /proc/stat file.
You can check if your application is affected by using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner, which allows you to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities without requiring installation.
The primary risk is that an attacker with local access could exploit this vulnerability to gather sensitive information about the system, which could lead to further attacks.
Yes, updating to a patched version of the Linux kernel will resolve the vulnerability. Use 'sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade linux' to apply the update.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider restricting access to the /proc/stat file as a temporary workaround, but prioritize updating as soon as feasible.
References
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