Description
The net_get_random_once implementation in net/core/utils.c in the Linux kernel 3.13.x and 3.14.x before 3.14.5 on certain Intel processors does not perform the intended slow-path operation to initialize random seeds, which makes it easier for remote attackers to spoof or disrupt IP communication by leveraging the predictability of TCP sequence numbers, TCP and UDP port numbers, and IP ID values.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | linux | 3.16.2-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | linux | 3.16.2-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | linux | 3.16.2-1 | — |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 14.04 LTS | linux | 3.13.0-32.57 | USN-2290-1 |
Advisories 1
- USN-2290-1 linux vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Apr 22, 2026
References
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1148788
- http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v3.x/ChangeLog-3.14.5
- [oss-security] 20141001 CVE Request: linux kernel net_get_random_once bug mailing-list
- https://web.archive.org/web/20141002163852/http://secondlookforensics.com/ngro-linux-kernel-bug/
- http://git.kernel.org/?p=linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux-2.6.git%3Ba=commit%3Bh=3d4405226d27b3a215e4d03cfa51f536244e5de7
- https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/3d4405226d27b3a215e4d03cfa51f536244e5de7