Double Free of io_acct_set Bioset in Linux Kernel
Summary
GSD-2022-1002638: md: fix double free of io_acct_set bioset. Affects Kernel versions >= 0c031fd37f69deb0cd8c43bbfcfccd62ebd7e952, < ea7d7bd90079d96f9c86bdaf0b106e0cd2a70661. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux Kernel is a widely used open-source operating system kernel that serves as the foundation for various Linux distributions. It provides essential functionality for managing system resources, including memory, processes, and device drivers. The io_acct_set bioset is a data structure used by the kernel's md (multiple devices) subsystem for accounting I/O operations. It helps track and manage I/O statistics for software RAID devices. However, a vulnerability in the md subsystem can lead to a double free of the io_acct_set bioset, potentially causing memory corruption and system instability.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from a double free issue in the md subsystem of the Linux Kernel. A double free occurs when a program attempts to free a memory block that has already been freed. In this case, the double free affects the io_acct_set bioset, which can result in memory corruption and subsequent system crashes or privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability was introduced in Linux Kernel version v5.17 by commit 0c031fd37f69deb0cd8c43bbfcfccd62ebd7e952 and is fixed in version v5.18.3 by commit ea7d7bd90079d96f9c86bdaf0b106e0cd2a70661.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a workaround, users can disable or avoid using the md subsystem if it is not essential for their system's functionality. This can be achieved by unloading the relevant kernel modules or configuring the system to exclude the md subsystem during boot. However, this workaround may not be feasible for systems relying on software RAID functionality.
Conclusion
The double free vulnerability in the md subsystem of the Linux Kernel can lead to memory corruption and system instability. It is crucial to update the kernel to version v5.18.3 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Users can also consider disabling or avoiding the md subsystem as a temporary workaround. For further assistance with vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability can lead to memory corruption and system instability, potentially resulting in system crashes or privilege escalation attacks.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file to the playground, and it will analyze the dependencies and alert you if any known vulnerabilities, including this one, are found.
At the time of this report, there are no known public exploits targeting this specific vulnerability. However, it is always recommended to promptly apply security patches to mitigate potential risks.
The vulnerability itself does not provide remote exploitation capabilities. However, if an attacker gains local access to a vulnerable system, they may be able to leverage this vulnerability for privilege escalation or to disrupt system stability.
For more technical details and references, you can refer to the vulnerability report in the GSD database: https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2022/1002xxx/GSD-2022-1002638.json
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