TX Buffer Corruption Vulnerability in Linux Kernel (Debian:13 and Debian:14)
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2024-44951: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: serial: sc16is7xx: fix TX fifo corruption Sometimes, when a packet is received on channel A at almost the same time as a packet is about to be transmitt... Affects linux versions < 6.10.6-1. Fixed in 6.10.6-1. 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 supports a wide range of functionalities, including process management, memory management, device drivers, and system calls. The kernel is crucial for system stability and performance. This vulnerability affects the serial communication subsystem, specifically the sc16is7xx driver, which manages serial communication for devices. The issue arises from improper handling of transmit and receive buffers, leading to potential data corruption.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified in the serial communication driver sc16is7xx, where the transmit (Tx) buffer can become corrupted with data from the receive (Rx) buffer. This issue occurs when a packet is received on one channel at nearly the same time as a packet is transmitted on another channel. The root cause of this vulnerability is a regression introduced by a commit that altered the locking mechanism for the Enhanced Feature Register (EFR) from chip-wise to channel-wise. This change inadvertently allowed for shared access to the data buffer, leading to data corruption. The implications of this vulnerability can result in incorrect data being transmitted, potentially affecting communication protocols and data integrity.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.10.6-1
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. The recommended action is to apply the patch by updating to the fixed version of the Linux kernel.
Conclusion
The TX buffer corruption vulnerability in the Linux kernel's serial communication driver poses a significant risk to data integrity during transmission. It is essential for users to update their systems to the patched version to ensure protection against this issue. Regular monitoring for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert can help maintain system security.
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FAQ
The vulnerability involves TX buffer corruption in the Linux kernel's serial communication driver, leading to potential data integrity issues.
You can check if your application is affected by using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner, which allows you to monitor for open-source vulnerabilities without requiring installation.
The potential consequences include incorrect data being transmitted over serial communication, which can disrupt communication protocols and lead to data loss or corruption.
Yes, a patch is available in version 6.10.6-1 of the Linux kernel for both Debian:13 and Debian:14.
While there are no specific workarounds, it is crucial to prioritize updating your kernel to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
References
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