Advisory Details

November 22nd, 2020

Linux Kernel Performance Counters Race Condition Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

ZDI-20-1372
ZDI-CAN-11510

CVE ID CVE-2020-14351
CVSS SCORE 7.8, AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
AFFECTED VENDORS Linux
AFFECTED PRODUCTS Kernel
VULNERABILITY DETAILS

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Linux Kernel. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within the implementation of performance counters. The issue results from the lack of proper locking when performing operations on an object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute code in the context of the kernel.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS Linux has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2020-14351
DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
  • 2020-07-22 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2020-11-22 - Coordinated public release of advisory
CREDIT Ryota Shiga(@Ga_ryo_) of Flatt Security
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