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Security update for k_i386

Knowledgebase

(Last modified: 16JUN2004)


solutions Security update for k_i386 SuSE Linux Maintenance Web (069e13556dbce358dc26f82dff7b72c4)

Applies to

Product(s): SuSE Firewall on CD 2 - VPN
SuSE Firewall on CD 2
SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 for IA32
SuSE Linux Office Server

Package: k_i386
Release: 20040616
Obsoletes: none

Indications

Everyone using the Linux Kernel on x86 architecture should update.

Contraindications

None.

Problem description

Local users can use a simple C program to trigger an endless loop with floating point exceptions, thereby causing a local denial of service attack. On single processor systems, this will result in a system halt, while on SMP systems only one processor freezes with each instance of the attack.
The vulnerability is of considerably moderate severity, especially if compared to privilege escalation vulnerabilities or other vulnerabilities that do not need post-authenticated local shell access to the system like the vulnerability needs that is subject to this update. However, it is recommended to install the update on every affected system, taking into account that a local denial of service may introduce a security relevant risk to a network if exploited. Please make sure to reboot the system after successful application of the update to make the changes to the system effective.

Solution

Please install the updates provided at the location noted below.

Installation notes

This update is provided as an RPM package that can easily be installed onto a running system by using this command:
rpm -Fvh k_i386.rpm
Afterwards run:
mk_initrd lilo
and reboot the system with:
reboot

links to download packages

Download Source Packages

Download the source code of the patches for maintained products.


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