Security update for Linux kernel

Knowledgebase

(Last modified: 19DEC2003)

solutions Security update for Linux kernel SuSE Linux Maintenance Web (0e77cff4ad0d77841d2124a2854245e4)

Applies to

Product(s): SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 for IBM iSeries and IBM pSeries

Package: kernel-ppc64
kernel-iseries64
kernel-source
Release: 20031219
Obsoletes: none

Indications

This update should be installed on all systems for security reasons.

Contraindications

None.

Problem description

Paul Starzetz of iSEC reported a vulnerability in the mremap() system call, which allows local attackers to crash the machine and even obtain super user ("root") privileges under certain circumstances. This update fixes the vulnerability.
Additionally, the code of the system information files below /proc/ppc64/rtas/ has been audited and fixed to avoid memory corruption within the kernel on access. Furthermore, the package kernel-source now contains a working pre-configuration.

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 kernel-iseries64.rpm
or
rpm -Fvh kernel-ppc64.rpm
You can find out which package you need by issuing the command:
rpm -qf /boot/vmlinuz
After performing the RPM package update of your kernel package, you must execute the following commands as root to make sure that your system will start up again:
mk_initrd lilo
Optionally, you may also install the kernel sources with
rpm -Fvh kernel-source.rpm

links to download packages

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 for IBM iSeries and IBM pSeries (ppc)

Download Source Packages

Download the source code of the patches for maintained products.

Disclaimer

The Origin of this information may be internal or external to Novell. Novell makes all reasonable efforts to verify this information. However, the information provided in this document is for your information only. Novell makes no explicit or implied claims to the validity of this information.

Any trademarks referenced in this document are the property of their respective owners. Consult your product manuals for complete trademark information.