SUSE Support

Here When You Need Us

CVE-2016-5195: kernel: local privilege escalation using MAP_PRIVATE (Dirty COW).

This document (7018178) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 Service Pack 1 (SLES 12 SP1)
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 GA LTSS (SLES 12 GA LTSS)

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 4 (SLES 11 SP4)
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 3 LTSS (SLES 11 SP3 LTSS)
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 2 LTSS (SLES 11 SP2 LTSS)

Expanded Support 5 (RES 5) - probably not affected
Expanded Support 6 (RES 6) - probably not affected
Expanded Support 7 (RES 7)

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 is most probably not affected.



Situation

A race condition was found in the way the Linux kernel's memory subsystem handles the copy-on-write (COW) breakage of private read-only memory mappings.

An unprivileged local user could use this flaw to gain write access to otherwise read-only files and thus increase their privileges on the system.

Resolution

SUSE has released updates to fix this security issue. 

SLES 12 SP1
  • kernel-* >= 3.12.62-60.64.8.2
  • release date: 21st October 2016
SLES 12 GA LTSS
  • kernel-* >= 3.12.60-52.57.1
  • release date: 21st October 2016
SLES 11 SP4
  • kernel-* >= 3.0.101-84.1
  • release date: 21st October 2016
SLES 10
  • Existing LTSS customer can still request a PTF through support
Expanded Support 5 (RES5)
  • kernel patch has been released on 26th of October 2016
Expanded Support 6 (RES6)
  • kernel patch has been released on 26th of October 2016
Expanded Support 7 (RES7)
  • kernel patch has been released on 26th of October 2016

For systems out of general support, like SLES11 SP3 LTSS, please contact support and/or your Sales representative if Long Term ServicePack Support  (LTSS) is necessary.

SUSE recommends to patch all affected systems as soon as possible.


Cause


Additional Information

CVE-2016-5195

Further information can be found here

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.

  • Document ID:7018178
  • Creation Date: 21-Oct-2016
  • Modified Date:03-Mar-2020
    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

< Back to Support Search

For questions or concerns with the SUSE Knowledgebase please contact: tidfeedback[at]suse.com

tick icon

SUSE Support Forums

Get your questions answered by experienced Sys Ops or interact with other SUSE community experts.

tick icon

Support Resources

Learn how to get the most from the technical support you receive with your SUSE Subscription, Premium Support, Academic Program, or Partner Program.

tick icon

Open an Incident

Open an incident with SUSE Technical Support, manage your subscriptions, download patches, or manage user access.