Linux Kernel 2.6.23 fasync_helper resource management

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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7.6$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability described as problematic has been identified in Linux Kernel 2.6.23. This issue affects the function fasync_helper. Executing a manipulation can lead to resource management. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2009-4141. Additionally, an exploit exists.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Linux Kernel 2.6.23 (Operating System). This vulnerability affects the function fasync_helper. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a resource management vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-399. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

Use-after-free vulnerability in the fasync_helper function in fs/fcntl.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.33-rc4-git1 allows local users to gain privileges via vectors that include enabling O_ASYNC (aka FASYNC or FIOASYNC) on a locked file, and then closing this file.

The issue has been introduced in 10/09/2007. The weakness was released 01/19/2010 by Tavis Ormandy (Website). The advisory is shared for download at kernel.org. This vulnerability was named CVE-2009-4141. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack needs to be approached locally. No form of authentication is required for a successful exploitation. Technical details and also a public exploit are known.

It is possible to download the exploit at exploit-db.com. It is declared as proof-of-concept. The vulnerability was handled as a non-public zero-day exploit for at least 833 days. During that time the estimated underground price was around $5k-$25k. The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 47258 (Fedora 11 : kernel-2.6.30.10-105.2.13.fc11 (2010-1500)), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment. It is assigned to the family Fedora Local Security Checks. The commercial vulnerability scanner Qualys is able to test this issue with plugin 155737 (Oracle Enterprise Linux Update for Kernel (ELSA-2010-0046)).

There is no information about possible countermeasures known. It may be suggested to replace the affected object with an alternative product.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at Exploit-DB (33523), Tenable (47258), SecurityFocus (BID 37806†) and Vulnerability Center (SBV-24610†). Entries connected to this vulnerability are available at VDB-51684 and VDB-51175. VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Productinfo

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 8.4
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 7.6

VulDB Base Score: 8.4
VulDB Temp Score: 7.6
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
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Exploitinginfo

Class: Resource management
CWE: CWE-399 / CWE-404
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: No

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

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Nessus ID: 47258
Nessus Name: Fedora 11 : kernel-2.6.30.10-105.2.13.fc11 (2010-1500)
Nessus File: 🔍
Nessus Risk: 🔍
Nessus Family: 🔍
Nessus Port: 🔍

OpenVAS ID: 880643
OpenVAS Name: CentOS Update for kernel CESA-2010:0046 centos5 i386
OpenVAS File: 🔍
OpenVAS Family: 🔍

Qualys ID: 🔍
Qualys Name: 🔍

Exploit-DB: 🔍

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: no mitigation known
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔍

Timelineinfo

10/09/2007 🔍
12/01/2009 +783 days 🔍
12/16/2009 +15 days 🔍
01/14/2010 +29 days 🔍
01/17/2010 +3 days 🔍
01/19/2010 +2 days 🔍
01/19/2010 +0 days 🔍
07/01/2010 +163 days 🔍
03/18/2015 +1721 days 🔍
04/11/2025 +3677 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: kernel.org

Advisory: kernel.org
Researcher: Tavis Ormandy
Status: Not defined
Confirmation: 🔍

CVE: CVE-2009-4141 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2009-4141
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-51616

OVAL: 🔍
IAVM: 🔍

SecurityFocus: 37806 - Linux Kernel 'fasync_helper()' Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Vulnerability Center: 24610 - Linux Kernel 2.6.28 Before 2.6.33-rc4-git1 Local Arbitrary Code Execution via Fasync_helper(), High

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

Entryinfo

Created: 03/18/2015 15:15
Updated: 04/11/2025 10:25
Changes: 03/18/2015 15:15 (67), 02/20/2017 10:04 (9), 08/31/2021 11:04 (4), 08/31/2021 11:09 (1), 12/20/2024 19:21 (25), 04/11/2025 10:25 (2)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

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