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Security update for Linux kernel

Knowledgebase

(Last modified: 30JUL2004)


solutions Security update for Linux kernel SuSE Linux Maintenance Web (d016ebe4c02682e8ec038f53b83ddc41)

Applies to

Product(s): SuSE Linux Desktop 1.0

Package: k_athlon
k_deflt
k_psmp
k_smp
kernel-source
Release: 20040730
Obsoletes: none

Indications

Everyone using the Linux Kernel on x86 architecture should update.

Contraindications

None.

Problem description

This update fixes a race condition in the handling of file offset pointers which allows an local attacker to read kernel memory. Thanks to Paul Starzetz who reported this issue.
Beside this bug other bugs were fixed:
  • Fixed file system race condition which may lead to data corruption under rare circumstances
  • Fixed /proc issues in user mode linux
  • Created workaround to allow Tivoli to install on PPC
  • Improved e1000 driver for PPC
  • Several s390 fixes
    • [BBPF] tape: Use of debug feature can produce kernel Oops. ID-9569
    • qeth: IP Assist commands get timeout after long system uptime ID-9631
    • qeth and lcs: qeth built as module cannot be loaded ID-9632
    • [BBPF] qeth: too many qeth_reg_ip kernel threads when registering hundreds ip addresses ID-9634
    • qdio: lost initiative for OSA under LPAR ID-9567
    • zfcp: System hang on adapter detach. ID-9757
    • iucv: pathid mismatch for multiple iucv connections ID-9759
    • dasd: RACE in state change interrupt handling. ID-9788
    • dasd: RACE in terminate IO handling after request timeout. ID-9791
    • dasd: Enhanced IRB handling. ID-9792
    • dasd: Enhanced quality of DASD statistics. ID-9793
    • dasd: Endless retry leads to busy / unresponsive system. ID-9795
    • zfcp: Error recovery does not finish after a cable to Shark is unplugged ID-9824
    • sclp: console causes system to hang ID-9819
    • iucv: missing symbolic links for iucv in sysfs ID-9936
    • Fix reregistration of disconnected ccw devices ID-9945
    • fix channel path vary on for disconnected devices ID-9971
    • improved handling of unsolicited interrupts ID-9973
    • z90crypt: checking of domain parameter is missing ID-9851
    • zfcp: Wrong return code of fsf_req_create. ID-10200
  • denial-of-service in signal handling
  • improved aic7xxx driver
  • Several x86_64 fixes
  • added LAUS support for IPF
  • fixed direct IO with ext3 file system
  • fixed journaling for JFS
  • chown(2) does change times on inodes
  • many minor fixes
For a detailed list, please visit the kernel change log.

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.
First, find out which kernel package to use, for example with
rpm -qf /boot/vmlinuz
Download the kernel image fitting your setup and install it with either:
  • rpm -Fvh k_deflt-2.4.*.i586.rpm for the default kernel image, or
  • rpm -Fhv k_athlon-2.4.*.i586.rpm for the AMD Athlon optimized kernel image, or
  • rpm -Fhv k_smp-2.4.*.i586.rpm for the SMP kernel image, or
  • rpm -Fhv k_psmp-2.4.*.i586.rpm for the PSMP kernel image
Please do only install one of these kernels, not all of them.
In case you are using LILO as bootmanager, please make sure that you also execute the command
lilo
after intalling the update for the system to remain bootable.
Finally, reboot the system with
shutdown -r now
to load the new kernel (replace "now" with the appropriate amount of time to allow local users to cleanly log out, for example "+5" for five minutes.)

links to download packages

Download Source Packages

Download the source code of the patches for maintained products.


Disclaimer

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