Vulnerability Monitor

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CVE-2017-15908

In systemd 223 through 235, a remote DNS server can respond with a custom crafted DNS NSEC resource record to trigger an infinite loop in the dns_packet_read_type_window() function of the 'systemd-resolved' service and cause a DoS of the affected service.

Security Impact Summary

This vulnerability carries a HIGH severity rating with a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.5, indicating it can be exploited remotely over the network with relatively low complexity without requiring user interaction and does not require pre-existing privileges . The vulnerability impacts and availability (service disruption) for affected systems. Impacting 2 products from systemd_project, from canonical organizations running these solutions should prioritize assessment and patching.

Historical Context

First disclosed in 2017, this vulnerability was reported during a period defined by widespread IoT adoption challenges, mobile security concerns, and the emergence of advanced persistent threat (APT) techniques. Contemporary mitigation strategies focused on secure development practices and third-party component vetting.

Published

2017-10-26T14:29:00.207

Last Modified

2025-04-20T01:37:25.860

Status

Deferred

Source

[email protected]

Severity

CVSSv3.1: 7.5 (HIGH)

CVSSv2 Vector

AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:N/I:N/A:P

Access Vector: NETWORK
Access Complexity: LOW
Authentication: NONE
Confidentiality Impact: NONE
Integrity Impact: NONE
Availability Impact: PARTIAL

Exploitability Score

10.0

Impact Score

2.9

Weaknesses

Type: Primary
CWE-835

Affected Vendors & Products

Type	Vendor	Product	Version/Range	Vulnerable?
Application	systemd_project	systemd	223	Yes
Application	systemd_project	systemd	224	Yes
Application	systemd_project	systemd	225	Yes
Application	systemd_project	systemd	226	Yes
Application	systemd_project	systemd	227	Yes
Application	systemd_project	systemd	228	Yes
Application	systemd_project	systemd	229	Yes
Application	systemd_project	systemd	230	Yes
Application	systemd_project	systemd	231	Yes
Application	systemd_project	systemd	232	Yes
Application	systemd_project	systemd	233	Yes
Application	systemd_project	systemd	234	Yes
Application	systemd_project	systemd	235	Yes
Operating System	canonical	ubuntu_linux	14.04	Yes
Operating System	canonical	ubuntu_linux	16.04	Yes

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101600 Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry ([email protected])
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039662 Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry ([email protected])
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/systemd/+bug/1725351 Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory ([email protected])
https://github.com/systemd/systemd/pull/7184 Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory ([email protected])
https://usn.ubuntu.com/3558-1/ Patch, Third Party Advisory ([email protected])
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101600 Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry (af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108)
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039662 Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry (af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108)
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/systemd/+bug/1725351 Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory (af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108)
https://github.com/systemd/systemd/pull/7184 Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory (af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108)
https://usn.ubuntu.com/3558-1/ Patch, Third Party Advisory (af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108)

How SecUtils Interprets This CVE

SecUtils normalizes and enriches National Vulnerability Database (NVD) records by standardizing vendor and product identifiers, aggregating vulnerability metadata from both NVD and MITRE sources, and providing structured context for security teams. For systemd_project's affected products, we extract Common Platform Enumeration (CPE) data, Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) classifications, CVSS severity metrics, and reference data to enable rapid vulnerability prioritization and asset correlation. This record contains no exploit code, proof-of-concept instructions, or attack methodologies—only defensive intelligence necessary for patch management, risk assessment, and security operations.