extcon: Fix extcon_get_extcon_dev() error handling in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2022-1003212: extcon: Fix extcon_get_extcon_dev() error handling. Affects Kernel versions < 4785574f0caf920ff0af587d4ab23f93cd243970. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a fundamental component of the Linux operating system that manages the system's resources and provides an interface for applications to interact with the hardware. It includes various subsystems, such as the extcon subsystem, which handles external connector events. The extcon_get_extcon_dev() function is responsible for retrieving the extcon device associated with a given connector. However, there is a vulnerability in the error handling of this function, which could lead to potential security issues.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability lies in the extcon_get_extcon_dev() function of the Kernel's extcon subsystem. When an error occurs during the retrieval of the extcon device, the function does not handle it properly, potentially leaving the system in an inconsistent state. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated 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
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The extcon_get_extcon_dev() error handling vulnerability in the Kernel's extcon subsystem can potentially lead to security issues, including denial-of-service (DoS) and arbitrary code execution. It is recommended to update the Kernel to version v5.15.47 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The extcon subsystem in the Kernel handles external connector events, such as the insertion or removal of devices connected to the system.
The impact of this vulnerability could range from a denial-of-service (DoS) condition to potential arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges.
There is no information available regarding exploitation of this vulnerability in the wild.
You can use Vulert's 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 without requiring access to the code or installation.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the GSD-2022-1003212 entry of the GSD database at https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database.
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