Linux Kernel up to 2.4.23 do_brk memory corruption

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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5.7$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in Linux Kernel up to 2.4.23. This vulnerability affects the function do_brk. This manipulation causes memory corruption. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2003-0961. The attack can only be done within the local network. Additionally, an exploit exists. It is advisable to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 2.4.23 (Operating System). It has been declared as critical. Affected by this vulnerability is the function do_brk. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a memory corruption vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-119. The product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it can read from or write to a memory location that is outside of the intended boundary of the buffer. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

Integer overflow in the do_brk function for the brk system call in Linux kernel 2.4.22 and earlier allows local users to gain root privileges.

The bug was discovered 12/01/2003. The weakness was released 12/01/2003 by Paul Starzetz and Wojciech Purczynski with isec (Website). The advisory is shared at isec.pl. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2003-0961 since 11/26/2003. The attack can only be done within the local network. The exploitation doesn't need any form of authentication. Technical details and also a public exploit are known.

It is possible to download the exploit at securityfocus.com. It is declared as proof-of-concept. We expect the 0-day to have been worth approximately $25k-$100k. The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 14092 (Mandrake Linux Security Advisory : kernel (MDKSA-2003:110)), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment. It is assigned to the family Mandriva Local Security Checks and running in the context l. The commercial vulnerability scanner Qualys is able to test this issue with plugin 115030 (Red Hat Kernel Root Local Root Compromise Vulnerability).

Upgrading eliminates this vulnerability. Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at kernel.org. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version. A possible mitigation has been published immediately after the disclosure of the vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at X-Force (13880), Exploit-DB (129), Tenable (14092), SecurityFocus (BID 9138†) and OSVDB (2887†). Additional details are provided at linuks.mine.nu. If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
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CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 6.3
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.7

VulDB Base Score: 6.3
VulDB Temp Score: 5.7
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

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Exploitinginfo

Class: Memory corruption
CWE: CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: Partially

Availability: 🔍
Access: Public
Status: Proof-of-Concept
Download: 🔍

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Nessus ID: 14092
Nessus Name: Mandrake Linux Security Advisory : kernel (MDKSA-2003:110)
Nessus File: 🔍
Nessus Risk: 🔍
Nessus Family: 🔍
Nessus Context: 🔍
Nessus Port: 🔍

OpenVAS ID: 53678
OpenVAS Name: Debian Security Advisory DSA 403-1 (kernel-image-2.4.18-1-alpha, kernel-image-2.4.18-1-i386, kernel-source-2.4.18)
OpenVAS File: 🔍
OpenVAS Family: 🔍

Qualys ID: 🔍
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Exploit-DB: 🔍

Threat Intelligenceinfo

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Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
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Patch: kernel.org

Timelineinfo

11/26/2003 🔍
12/01/2003 +5 days 🔍
12/01/2003 +0 days 🔍
12/01/2003 +0 days 🔍
12/01/2003 +0 days 🔍
12/02/2003 +1 days 🔍
12/02/2003 +0 days 🔍
12/02/2003 +0 days 🔍
12/05/2003 +2 days 🔍
12/15/2003 +10 days 🔍
07/31/2004 +229 days 🔍
07/24/2005 +358 days 🔍
07/20/2025 +7300 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: kernel.org

Advisory: isec.pl
Researcher: Paul Starzetz, Wojciech Purczynski
Organization: isec
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2003-0961 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2003-0961
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-421
CERT: 🔍
X-Force: 13880
SecurityFocus: 9138 - Linux Kernel do_brk Function Boundary Condition Vulnerability
Secunia: 10338 - Astaro update for Kernel, Less Critical
OSVDB: 2887 - Linux Kernel do_brk local Overflow
SecuriTeam: securiteam.com
Vulnerability Center: 8629 - Privilege Elevation in Linux Kernel <= 2.4.22 via Integer Overflow in do_brk Function, Medium

scip Labs: https://www.scip.ch/en/?labs.20161013
Misc.: 🔍

Entryinfo

Created: 12/02/2003 10:45
Updated: 07/20/2025 01:50
Changes: 12/02/2003 10:45 (98), 06/27/2019 11:10 (1), 10/29/2024 17:51 (18), 07/20/2025 01:50 (2)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

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