CVE-2009-2767

Description

From CVE.org

The init_posix_timers function in kernel/posix-timers.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.31-rc6 allows local users to cause a denial of service (OOPS) or possibly gain privileges via a CLOCK_MONOTONIC_RAW clock_nanosleep call that triggers a NULL pointer dereference.

Statement

Not vulnerable. This issue only affected kernels version 2.6.28-rc1 and later. Therefore this issue did not affect the versions of Linux kernel as shipped with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3, 4, 5 or Red Hat Enterprise MRG..

Understanding the Weakness (CWE)

Availability

Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart

NULL pointer dereferences usually result in the failure of the process unless exception handling (on some platforms) is available and implemented. Even when exception handling is being used, it can still be very difficult to return the software to a safe state of operation.

Integrity,Confidentiality

Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Read Memory; Modify Memory

In rare circumstances, when NULL is equivalent to the 0x0 memory address and privileged code can access it, then writing or reading memory is possible, which may lead to code execution.

Frequently Asked Questions

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