NULL pointer vulnerability in nbd package

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

31/05/2021
N/A
No i
Unrated
Not published

GSD-2021-1000195: nbd: Fix NULL pointer in flush_workqueue. Affects Kernel versions >= e9e006f5fcf2bab59149cb38a48a4817c1b538b4, < 54b78ba7e96e5fe1edb8054e375d31a6c0dc60dc. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The nbd package is a part of the Linux Kernel ecosystem. It provides support for Network Block Devices (NBD), which allow remote storage devices to be accessed as if they were local block devices. The package is responsible for managing the communication and data transfer between the local system and the remote storage device. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the package that can lead to a NULL pointer dereference.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in the nbd package arises from a NULL pointer dereference. When executing the flush_workqueue function, a NULL pointer can be accessed, leading to a system crash or potential privilege escalation. An attacker with access to the affected system could exploit this vulnerability to disrupt services or gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability was introduced in version v5.4 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.12.5.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to update the Linux Kernel to the fixed version to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the nbd package in the Linux Kernel is vulnerable to a NULL pointer dereference issue. This vulnerability can lead to system crashes or potential privilege escalation. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.12.5 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

The vulnerability can lead to a system crash or potential privilege escalation, allowing attackers to disrupt services or gain elevated privileges.

You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file and Vulert will analyze it for any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.

At the time of this report, there is no known public exploit for this vulnerability. However, it is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to the fixed version to prevent any potential exploitation.

No, updating the Linux Kernel to the fixed version is the recommended approach to mitigate this vulnerability. There is no known workaround available.

You can find more information about this vulnerability in the Open Source Vulnerability Database (OSVDB) entry GSD-2021-1000195 at https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2021/1000xxx/GSD-2021-1000195.json

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How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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