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CVE-2009-3238

5.5 · MEDIUM

The get_random_int function in drivers/char/random.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.30 produces insufficiently random numbers, which allows attackers to predict the return value, and possibly defea…

Published Sep 18, 2009linuxCWE-338EPSS 1.63%

Overview

CVE-2009-3238 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting linux linux_kernel. It was published on September 18, 2009 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5 (MEDIUM).

This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5, rated MEDIUM. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. Some level of privileges is required for exploitation.

Technical description

The get_random_int function in drivers/char/random.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.30 produces insufficiently random numbers, which allows attackers to predict the return value, and possibly defeat protection mechanisms based on randomization, via vectors that leverage the function's tendency to "return the same value over and over again for long stretches of time."

Remediation

Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from linux. Update linux_kernel to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

Affected products

VendorProductVersionsStatus
linuxlinux_kernel>= 0, < 2.6.30Affected

References

Refgit.kernel.org/?p=linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux-2.6.git%3Ba=commit%3Bh=8a0a9bd4db63bc45e3017bedeafbd88d0eb84d02Reflists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2009-11/msg00005.htmlReflists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2010-02/msg00005.htmlRefpatchwork.kernel.org/patch/21766/Refsecunia.com/advisories/37105Refsecunia.com/advisories/37351Refwww.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v2.6/ChangeLog-2.6.30Refwww.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2009-1438.htmlRefwww.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-852-1Refbugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=499785

How CyberStrike helps

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-3238?

CVE-2009-3238 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting linux linux_kernel. It was published on September 18, 2009 and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5 (MEDIUM).

How severe is CVE-2009-3238?

This vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5, rated MEDIUM. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. Some level of privileges is required for exploitation.

How do I fix or remediate CVE-2009-3238?

Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from linux. Update linux_kernel to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

How can CyberStrike help with CVE-2009-3238?

CyberStrike is an open-source, AI-augmented pentesting engine. Rather than flag a version number, it tests whether an issue like CVE-2009-3238 is actually reachable in your own applications and APIs, then verifies each finding before reporting it. That tells you if the weakness is a real, exploitable risk in your environment or a false positive you can safely deprioritize.

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