Null Pointer Dereference Vulnerability in Linux Kernel - Package: linux
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2024-27048: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: brcm80211: handle pmk_op allocation failure The kzalloc() in brcmf_pmksa_v3_op() will return null if the physical memory has run out. Affects linux versions < 6.7.12-1. Fixed in 6.7.12-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing hardware resources and providing essential services to applications. It is widely used across various platforms, including servers, desktops, and embedded systems. The kernel's functionality includes process management, memory management, device drivers, and system calls. This vulnerability specifically affects the brcm80211 driver, which is responsible for managing Broadcom wireless chipsets, highlighting the kernel's complexity and the potential for memory management issues.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified in the brcm80211 driver related to the handling of pmk_op allocation failures. The function kzalloc() can return null if the system runs out of physical memory. If this null value is dereferenced, it leads to a null pointer dereference bug, which can cause system crashes or unexpected behavior. The vulnerability arises from inadequate error handling in the brcmf_pmksa_v3_op() function, where it fails to return an appropriate error code when memory allocation fails.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.7.12-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linuxTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. However, ensuring that your system has adequate memory resources can help mitigate the risk of encountering this issue until a patch is applied.
Conclusion
The identified null pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's brcm80211 driver poses a risk of system instability due to improper memory management. Users are advised to update to the patched version 6.7.12-1 to mitigate this issue. Regular monitoring of vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert can help maintain system security.
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FAQ
The vulnerability is a null pointer dereference that occurs when the system fails to allocate memory for pmk_op in the brcm80211 driver.
You can use Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability.
Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to system crashes or unexpected behavior, impacting the stability and reliability of the system.
Yes, a patch is available in version 6.7.12-1 of the linux package. Users should update to this version to mitigate the vulnerability.
While there are no specific workarounds, ensuring your system has sufficient memory resources may help reduce the risk until you can apply the patch.
References
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