CVE-2020-8647
kernel: out-of-bounds read in in vc_do_resize function in drivers/tty/vt/vt.c
Severity
ModerateRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.1
Review impact separately from score.
Published · January 30, 2020
Updated · June 28, 2026
Description
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel’s virtual console resize functionality. An attacker with local access to virtual consoles can use the virtual console resizing code to gather kernel internal data structures.
Statement
This flaw is rated as having Moderate impact because the information leak is limited.
CVSS score applicability
The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.
Mitigation
The attack vector can be significantly reduced by preventing users from being able to log into the local virtual console.
See the instructions on disabling local login here: https://access.redhat.com/documentation/en-us/red_hat_enterprise_linux/6/html/managing_smart_cards/pam_configuration_files , See the section on "pam_console" to deny users logging into the console. This mechanism should work from el6 forward to current versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
CVSS / CWE
CVSS 3.1 · 6.1CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:H
CWE-200 · Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor