NFC: NULL out the dev->rfkill to prevent UAF in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2022-1003924: NFC: NULL out the dev->rfkill to prevent UAF. Affects Kernel versions >= c45cea83e13699bdfd47842e04d09dd43af4c371, < 6abfaca8711803d0d7cc8c0fac1070a88509d463. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a crucial component of the Linux operating system that manages the system's resources and facilitates communication between hardware and software. It provides essential functionalities, such as process management, memory management, and device drivers. The NFC (Near Field Communication) subsystem in the Kernel enables short-range wireless communication between devices. It allows devices to exchange data and perform various tasks, such as contactless payments and file transfers.
Vulnerability Detail
The identified vulnerability in the NFC subsystem involves a use-after-free (UAF) issue. Specifically, the 'dev->rfkill' pointer is not properly handled, leading to a potential UAF. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the 'dev->rfkill' pointer, causing the system to access freed memory. This could result in a system crash or potentially allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
No specific workaround has been mentioned for this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The NFC subsystem in the Linux Kernel is vulnerable to a use-after-free issue. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to update the Kernel to version v4.19.247 or later. This update ensures that the 'dev->rfkill' pointer is properly handled, preventing potential exploitation. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability could range from a system crash to potential arbitrary code execution with kernel-level privileges.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your manifest file (e.g., package-lock.json) and Vulert will analyze it in real-time.
No known exploit for this vulnerability has been reported at this time.
The recommended mitigation is to update the Linux Kernel to the latest stable version, which includes the fix for this vulnerability.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the Open Source Vulnerability Database (OSVDB) entry: https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2022/1003xxx/GSD-2022-1003924.json
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