exfat: Invalid Cluster Number Vulnerability
Summary
GSD-2022-1003662: exfat: check if cluster num is valid. Affects Kernel versions >= 1e49a94cf707204b66a3fb242f2814712c941f52, < 82f723b8a5adf497f9e34c702a30ca7298615654. 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 exfat package is a file system driver for the exFAT file system, which is commonly used in removable storage devices. It provides support for reading and writing files on exFAT-formatted drives. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the exfat package that allows for the use of invalid cluster numbers, potentially leading to data corruption or system crashes.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the exfat package arises from a failure to properly validate cluster numbers. By providing a specially crafted cluster number, an attacker could trigger a range of issues, including data corruption, system crashes, or even remote code execution. This vulnerability was introduced in version v5.7 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.10.120.
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
If updating the Linux Kernel is not immediately feasible, a possible workaround is to disable the exfat file system driver. This can be achieved by removing the exfat module or blacklisting it in the kernel configuration. However, this workaround may result in the inability to read or write exFAT-formatted drives.
Conclusion
The exfat package in the Linux Kernel is vulnerable to an issue that allows for the use of invalid cluster numbers, potentially leading to data corruption or system crashes. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.120 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. If immediate updating is not possible, disabling the exfat file system driver can serve as a temporary workaround. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
exFAT is a file system developed by Microsoft, designed for use on flash drives and other removable storage devices. It offers improved compatibility and support for large file sizes compared to older file systems like FAT32.
The vulnerability in the exfat package could lead to data corruption, system crashes, or even remote code execution. It is important to address this vulnerability promptly to mitigate these risks.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/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 exfat vulnerability.
At the time of this report, there are no known public exploits targeting this specific vulnerability. However, it is always recommended to address vulnerabilities promptly to minimize the risk of exploitation.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the GSD-2022-1003662 JSON report available on the Cloud Security Alliance's GSD Database (https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2022/1003xxx/GSD-2022-1003662.json).
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
