CVE-2014-8173

CVE-2014-8173 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

The pmd_none_or_trans_huge_or_clear_bad function in include/asm-generic/pgtable.h in the Linux kernel before 3.13 on NUMA systems does not properly determine whether a Page Middle Directory (PMD) entry is a transparent huge-table entry, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and system crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted MADV_WILLNEED madvise system call that leverages the absence of a page-table lock.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2014-8173?
The pmd_none_or_trans_huge_or_clear_bad function in include/asm-generic/pgtable.h in the Linux kernel before 3.13 on NUMA systems does not properly determine whether a Page Middle Directory (PMD) entry is a transparent huge-table entry, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and system crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted MADV_WILLNEED madvise system call that leverages the absence of a page-table lock.
How severe is CVE-2014-8173?
CVE-2014-8173 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2014-8173 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (32nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2014-8173?
CVE-2014-8173 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2014-8173?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2014-8173 published?
CVE-2014-8173 was published on 2015-03-16 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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