CVE-2017-7979

High

The cookie feature in the packet action API implementation in net/sched/act_api.c in the Linux kernel 4.11.x through 4.11-rc7 mishandles the tb nlattr array, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (uninitialized memory access and refcount underflow, and system hang or crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via "tc filter add" commands in certain contexts. NOTE: this does not affect stable kernels, such as 4.10.x, from kernel.org.

Package Linux Kernel
Published 2017-04-19
Last modified 2026-05-13
CVSS version 3.0
Patch available
Awaiting data

CVSS 3.0 score

7.8

out of 10
High
Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Privileges Required
Low
User Interaction
None
Scope
Unchanged
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High
Vector string
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Weakness type

CWE-20

CVE-2017-7979 is a Improper Input Validation vulnerability

What is Improper Input Validation?

The product receives input but does not validate it correctly, allowing attackers to craft inputs that cause unexpected behavior. Learn more on MITRE CWE

References

The following references provide additional information about CVE-2017-7979 including vendor advisories, patch commits, exploit details, and third-party analysis. Links are sourced from the NIST NVD database.

7 patch commits total View all on NVD

Frequently asked questions

  • What is CVE-2017-7979?

    CVE-2017-7979 is a High severity Linux kernel vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.8 out of 10 , classified as an Improper Input Validation flaw (CWE-20) . CVE-2017-7979 has not been confirmed as actively exploited and is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.

  • What is the CVSS score for CVE-2017-7979?

    CVE-2017-7979 has a CVSS score of 7.8 out of 10, rated High severity (CVSS 3.0). The vector string is CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H .

  • Is there a patch available for CVE-2017-7979?

    No patch is currently available for CVE-2017-7979. Monitor the NIST NVD and your Linux distribution's security advisories for updates.

  • Is CVE-2017-7979 actively exploited?

    No — CVE-2017-7979 has not been confirmed as actively exploited. It is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.

  • What is Improper Input Validation (CWE-20)?

    The product receives input but does not validate it correctly, allowing attackers to craft inputs that cause unexpected behavior. View CWE-20 on MITRE CWE →

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