DESCRIPTION
The Linux kernel is responsible for handling the basic functions of
the GNU/Linux operating system.
This announcement fixes the following vulnerabilities:
1. Local denial of service vulnerability (CAN-2004-0554[1])
Stian Skjelstad found[2] a vulnerability[1] in the fpu controller
code that can be used by local attackers to cause a denial of service
(DoS) on the system.
2. Local memory disclosure vulnerability (CAN-2004-0535[3])
Chris Wright found a vulnerability[3] in the Intel(R) PRO/1000
ethernet card driver that could allow a local attacker to read some
bytes of kernel memory.
3. Sparse vulnerabilities (CAN-2004-0495[4])
Al Viro, by using Sparse[5] (a code inspection tool), found several
vulnerabilities which, in the worst case, might allow local attackers
to obtain root privileges.
SOLUTION
It is recommended that all Conectiva Linux users upgrade the kernel
package.
IMPORTANT: exercise caution and preparation when upgrading the
kernel, since it will require a reboot after the new packages are
installed. In particular, Conectiva Linux 9 will most likely require
an initrd file (which is automatically created in the /boot directory
after the new packages are installed). Generic kernel update
instructions can be obtained in the manuals and in our updates
page[6]. More detailed instructions are also available in Portuguese
at our Moin[7] page.
