Vulnerability in Kernel package: dell-smbios-wmi
Summary
GSD-2021-1000515: platform/x86: dell-smbios-wmi: Fix oops on rmmod dell_smbios. Affects Kernel versions >= 1a258e670434f404a4500b65ba1afea2c2b29bba, < 6fa78a6b9a3beb676a010dc489c1257f7e432525. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The Kernel package is a crucial component of the Linux operating system that provides the core functionality and interfaces for various hardware and software components. One of the modules within the Kernel package is dell-smbios-wmi, which is responsible for handling Dell system management functions through the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) interface. This module allows users to interact with Dell-specific features and retrieve system information. However, a vulnerability has been identified in the dell-smbios-wmi module that can lead to a system crash or instability.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the dell-smbios-wmi module occurs when attempting to remove (rmmod) the module. Due to a coding error, an oops (kernel panic) can be triggered, resulting in a system crash. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker with local access to the system, potentially leading to a denial-of-service (DoS) situation. The impact of this vulnerability may vary depending on the specific system configuration and usage. It is important to note that the actual attack plausibility and impact have not been proven.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a workaround, users can avoid removing the dell-smbios-wmi module until the updated Kernel package is installed. By keeping the module loaded, the vulnerability will not be triggered. However, this workaround is temporary, and it is strongly recommended to apply the update as soon as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dell-smbios-wmi module in the Kernel package has a vulnerability that can lead to a system crash or instability when attempting to remove the module. It is recommended to update the Linux Kernel package to version v5.4.122 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Until the update is applied, users can keep the module loaded as a temporary workaround. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The Kernel package is a fundamental component of the Linux operating system that provides core functionality and interfaces for various hardware and software components.
The dell-smbios-wmi module is a part of the Kernel package that enables Dell system management functions through the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) interface.
The vulnerability can lead to a system crash or instability, potentially resulting in a denial-of-service (DoS) situation. However, the actual impact and attack plausibility have not been proven.
To fix this vulnerability, update the Linux Kernel package to version v5.4.122 or later, which includes a commit that addresses the coding error in the dell-smbios-wmi module.
Yes, you can avoid removing the dell-smbios-wmi module until the updated Kernel package is installed. By keeping the module loaded, the vulnerability will not be triggered. However, it is recommended to apply the update as soon as possible.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.