PRE-CERT Security Advisory - The Linux kernel contains a vulnerability that may lead to a denial-of-service due to corrupted partition tables on storage devices. The kernel automatically evaluates partition tables of storage devices. This happens independently of whether any auto-mounting is enabled or not. The code for evaluating EFI GUID partition tables contains a buffer overflow bug that allows to cause kernel oops resulting in a denial of service.
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PRE-CERT Security Advisory
==========================
* Advisory: PRE-SA-2011-03
* Released on: 13 Apr 2011
* Last updated on: 13 Apr 2011
* Affected product: Linux Kernel 2.4 and 2.6
* Impact: denial-of-service
* Origin: storage devices
* Credit: Timo Warns (PRESENSE Technologies GmbH)
* CVE Identifier: CVE-2011-1577
Summary
-------
The Linux kernel contains a vulnerability that may lead to
a denial-of-service due to corrupted partition tables on storage
devices.
The kernel automatically evaluates partition tables of storage devices.
This happens independently of whether any auto-mounting is enabled or
not. The code for evaluating EFI GUID partition tables contains a buffer
overflow bug that allows to cause kernel oops resulting in a denial of
service.
Workaround
----------
Compile and use a kernel that does not evaluate EFI GUID partition
tables. The corresponding configuration key is CONFIG_EFI_PARTITION.
Solution
--------
A patch is available at
https://www.spinics.net/lists/mm-commits/msg83274.html
References
----------
When further information becomes available, this advisory will be
updated. The most recent version of this advisory is available at:
https://www.pre-cert.de/advisories/PRE-SA-2011-03.txt
Contact
-------
PRE-CERT can be reached under precert@pre-secure.de. For PGP key
information, refer to https://www.pre-cert.de/.