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Hole In Linux Kernel Provides Root Rights

Posted by Soulskill on from the everything-old-is-new-again dept.

oztiks writes with this excerpt from The H: "A vulnerability in the 32-bit compatibility mode of the current Linux kernel (and previous versions) for 64-bit systems can be exploited to escalate privileges. For instance, attackers can break into a system and exploit a hole in the web server to get complete root (also known as superuser) rights or permissions for a victim's system. According to a report, the problem occurs because the 32-bit call emulation layer does not check whether the call is truly in the Syscall table. Ben Hawkes, who discovered the problem, says the vulnerability can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with kernel rights. ... Hawkes says the vulnerability was discovered and remedied back in 2007, but at some point in 2008 kernel developers apparently removed the patch, reintroducing the vulnerability. The older exploit apparently only needed slight modifications to work with the new hole."

3 of 274 comments (clear)

  1. Perhap the kernel's size is becoming too unweildy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I mean this is what, the third 'reverted' security patch we've heard about in the recent past that needed replacement?

    Maybe it's time to seperate out core kernel code and the arch specific stuff into seperate modules with seperate administration. Git would make this easy, so why aren't we seeing it done?

  2. Re:Serve them right by iGaucho · · Score: 3, Interesting

    And that's why I use OpenBSD :)

  3. Re:Serve them right by Gordonjcp · · Score: 3, Interesting

    While OpenBSD doesn't have a perfect record for security

    OpenBSD has got a *terrible* record for security. The illusion of security is only maintained because every time someone discovers a gaping exploit in OpenBSD, Theo moves the goalposts on what he considers a security hole. Just look at all the descriptions of "errata" for OpenBSD - bugfixes for security holes!

    Theo is like that kid who, no matter what game you were playing, would always start making up bullshit rules whenever he started losing. Like, "Tag! You're it!" "No I'm not it, that tag didn't count because I'm uh... I'm near this rock".
    Don't be that kid. That kid is a dick.