CVE-2019-15794

Reference counting error in overlayfs/shiftfs error path when used in conjuction with aufs

Description

Overlayfs in the Linux kernel and shiftfs, a non-upstream patch to the Linux kernel included in the Ubuntu 5.0 and 5.3 kernel series, both replace vma->vm_file in their mmap handlers. On error the original value is not restored, and the reference is put for the file to which vm_file points. On upstream kernels this is not an issue, as no callers dereference vm_file following after call_mmap() returns an error. However, the aufs patchs change mmap_region() to replace the fput() using a local variable with vma_fput(), which will fput() vm_file, leading to a refcount underflow.

Category

7.1
CVSS
Severity: High
CVSS 3.1 •
CVSS 2.0 •
EPSS 0.50%
Third-Party Advisory launchpad.net Third-Party Advisory launchpad.net Third-Party Advisory ubuntu.com Third-Party Advisory ubuntu.com
Affected: Ubuntu Linux kernel
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2019-15794?
CVE-2019-15794 has been scored as a high severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2019-15794?
To fix CVE-2019-15794, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2019-15794 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2019-15794 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2019-15794?
CVE-2019-15794 affects Ubuntu Linux kernel.
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