mtd: Require Write Permissions for Locking and Badblock IOCTLs
Summary
GSD-2021-1000475: mtd: require write permissions for locking and badblock ioctls. Affects Kernel versions >= 389c74c218d3b182e9cd767e98cee0e0fd0dabaa, < f73b29819c6314c0ba8b7d5892dfb03487424bee. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel package in the Linux ecosystem is responsible for providing the core functionality of the operating system. It manages system resources, facilitates communication between hardware and software components, and enables the execution of user programs. The MTD (Memory Technology Devices) subsystem within the Kernel is specifically designed to handle flash memory devices, such as NAND and NOR flash chips. It provides an abstraction layer for accessing and managing these devices.
The vulnerability identified in the MTD subsystem relates to the locking and badblock IOCTLs. IOCTLs (Input/Output Control) are a mechanism for issuing device-specific commands to a driver. The locking IOCTL allows users to lock or unlock MTD devices, while the badblock IOCTL enables marking blocks as bad on these devices.
The vulnerability arises from the fact that the locking and badblock IOCTLs do not require write permissions. This means that any user with read access to an MTD device can issue these IOCTLs, potentially leading to unauthorized modifications or damage to the flash memory.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability allows any user with read access to an MTD device to issue locking and badblock IOCTLs without requiring write permissions. This can lead to unauthorized modifications or damage to the flash memory. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to manipulate the data stored on the flash memory, potentially causing data corruption or compromising the integrity of the system.
The vulnerability was introduced in Linux Kernel version v4.14.194 and was fixed in version v4.14.233. The fix requires write permissions for the locking and badblock IOCTLs, ensuring that only authorized users can modify the flash memory.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, as a general best practice, it is recommended to restrict read access to MTD devices to only authorized users. This can be achieved through proper file permissions and access control mechanisms.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the MTD subsystem of the Linux Kernel allows users with read access to MTD devices to issue locking and badblock IOCTLs without requiring write permissions. This can lead to unauthorized modifications or damage to the flash memory, compromising the integrity of the system. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.14.233 or later, which enforces write permissions for these IOCTLs. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability allows any user with read access to an MTD device to issue locking and badblock IOCTLs without requiring write permissions. This can lead to unauthorized modifications or damage to the flash memory, potentially causing data corruption or compromising the integrity of the system.
You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities, using just a manifest file like package-lock.json.
Yes, this vulnerability has been fixed in Linux Kernel version v4.14.233. It is recommended to update to this version or later to ensure the fix is applied.
There are no known exploits for this vulnerability at the moment. However, it is important to apply the fix as soon as possible to prevent potential unauthorized modifications or damage to the flash memory.
The recommended approach to mitigate this vulnerability is to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.14.233 or later. This ensures that write permissions are required for the locking and badblock IOCTLs. While there may be other potential workarounds, updating the Kernel is the most effective solution.
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