CVE-2019-20423
Description
In the Lustre file system before 2.12.3, the ptlrpc module has a buffer overflow and panic due to the lack of validation for specific fields of packets sent by a client. The function target_handle_connect() mishandles a certain size value when a client connects to a server, because of an integer signedness error.
AI Insight
LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.
Integer signedness error in Lustre's ptlrpc module causes buffer overflow, leading to server panic.
Vulnerability
The vulnerability exists in the ptlrpc module of the Lustre file system before version 2.12.3. Specifically, the function target_handle_connect() fails to properly validate the size field in connect packets due to an integer signedness error, leading to a buffer overflow [1][2]. Affected versions are all Lustre releases prior to 2.12.3.
Exploitation
An unauthenticated client can send a specially crafted connect packet to a Lustre server. The server's tgt_request_handle processes the packet, and due to the signedness error, a large size value causes a buffer overflow, resulting in a kernel panic as shown in the call trace [2]. No authentication is required, as the vulnerability is triggered during the initial connection handshake.
Impact
Successful exploitation causes a denial of service through server kernel panic [2]. The overflow may also potentially allow code execution, but the available references only confirm a panic. The impact is limited to server availability at minimum.
Mitigation
The vulnerability is fixed in Lustre version 2.12.3 [1]. Users should upgrade to this version or later. No workarounds are provided in the references. The Lustre file system is open source and available at the official website [3].
AI Insight generated on May 26, 2026. Synthesized from this CVE's description and the cited reference URLs; citations are validated against the source bundle.
Affected products
2- Lustre/Lustre file systemdescription
Patches
0No patches discovered yet.
Vulnerability mechanics
AI mechanics synthesis has not run for this CVE yet.
References
4- lustre.orgmitrex_refsource_MISC
- wiki.lustre.org/Lustre_2.12.3_Changelogmitrex_refsource_MISC
- jira.whamcloud.com/browse/LU-12605mitrex_refsource_MISC
- review.whamcloud.commitrex_refsource_MISC
News mentions
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