Critical NULL Pointer Dereference Vulnerability in Linux Kernel Package
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2024-57944: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: iio: adc: ti-ads1298: Add NULL check in ads1298_init devm_kasprintf() can return a NULL pointer on failure. Affects linux versions < 6.12.10-1. Fixed in 6.12.10-1. 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 interaction. It is responsible for managing system resources and facilitating communication between hardware and applications. The kernel is highly modular, allowing for various drivers and subsystems to be included or excluded based on user needs. However, like any complex software, it is susceptible to vulnerabilities that can compromise system stability and security.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified in the 'iio: adc: ti-ads1298' driver, specifically in the 'ads1298_init' function. The issue arises from a missing NULL check on the return value of the 'devm_kasprintf()' function, which can lead to a NULL pointer dereference. This oversight can result in system crashes or unpredictable behavior when the function fails to allocate memory. The vulnerability is classified as critical due to its potential to disrupt system operations and compromise the integrity of applications relying on the affected driver.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.12.10-1
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 available for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the patch as soon as it is feasible.
Conclusion
The identified NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's 'iio: adc: ti-ads1298' driver poses significant risks to system stability and security. Users are urged to update to the patched version '6.12.10-1' to mitigate these risks. Regular monitoring and prompt updates are essential for maintaining system integrity.
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FAQ
The vulnerability is a NULL pointer dereference in the Linux kernel's 'iio: adc: ti-ads1298' driver, which can lead to system crashes.
If you are using a version of the Linux kernel prior to '6.12.10-1', your system may be vulnerable. You can check your kernel version using the command 'uname -r'.
The vulnerability can cause system instability, crashes, and potentially allow for exploitation by malicious actors.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing a manifest file like package-lock.json. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground.
If an immediate update is not possible, ensure that your system is not exposed to untrusted networks and limit access to sensitive applications until the patch can be applied.
References
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