Race Condition Vulnerability in Linux Kernel's PCMCIA Driver
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2022-41848: drivers/char/pcmcia/synclink_cs.c in the Linux kernel through 5.19.12 has a race condition and resultant use-after-free if a physically proximate attacker removes a PCMCIA device while calling ioctl, aka a race condition... Affects linux versions 5.10.103-1 – 6.9.9-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of many operating systems, providing essential services for hardware and software interactions. The 'linux' package in Debian distributions is critical for system functionality, managing resources, and enabling communication between hardware devices. This package is widely used across various Debian versions, including Debian 11, 12, 13, and 14. The vulnerability in question affects the PCMCIA driver, which is responsible for managing PCMCIA devices, commonly used for network cards and other peripherals.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41848 is a race condition found in the 'synclink_cs.c' file of the Linux kernel, specifically affecting versions up to 5.19.12. This issue arises when a physically proximate attacker removes a PCMCIA device while an ioctl call is being executed. The race condition occurs between the mgslpc_ioctl and mgslpc_detach functions, leading to a use-after-free scenario. This could potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service, compromising system integrity and security.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users are advised to avoid using PCMCIA devices or to ensure that no unauthorized physical access is possible while the system is running. Additionally, consider disabling the PCMCIA subsystem if it is not needed for your operations.
Conclusion
CVE-2022-41848 is a significant vulnerability in the Linux kernel's PCMCIA driver that poses risks to system security. It is crucial for users to update their systems to patched versions of the 'linux' package to mitigate these risks. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
CVE-2022-41848 is a race condition vulnerability in the Linux kernel's PCMCIA driver that can lead to a use-after-free condition, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code.
Debian versions 11, 12, 13, and 14 are affected by this vulnerability in the 'linux' package.
You can use tools like Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected without any signup.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider disabling the PCMCIA subsystem or avoiding the use of PCMCIA devices until a patch can be applied.
Failing to address this vulnerability could expose your system to potential attacks, leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, or system instability.
References
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