NFSv4: NULL pointer dereference in pnfs_mark_matching_lsegs_return()
Summary
GSD-2021-1000682: NFSv4: Fix a NULL pointer dereference in pnfs_mark_matching_lsegs_return(). Affects Kernel versions >= 7b7b9774643220e53eef58c15bb29bd4182fe053, < 42637ca25c7d7b5a92804a679af5192e8c1a9f48. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a critical component of the Linux operating system that provides core functionality and interfaces with hardware devices. It manages system resources, facilitates communication between software and hardware, and enables the execution of user programs. The NFSv4 (Network File System version 4) is a distributed file system protocol that allows remote access to files over a network. It is implemented in the Kernel and provides file sharing capabilities. This vulnerability affects the Kernel's implementation of NFSv4 and specifically the function pnfs_mark_matching_lsegs_return().
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as GSD-2021-1000682 is a NULL pointer dereference in pnfs_mark_matching_lsegs_return(). A NULL pointer dereference occurs when a program attempts to access or manipulate data using a pointer that points to a NULL value. In this case, the vulnerability arises due to a missing check for a NULL pointer before accessing it in the pnfs_mark_matching_lsegs_return() function. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious request that triggers the NULL pointer dereference, leading to a system crash or potential code execution 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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Conclusion
The NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in pnfs_mark_matching_lsegs_return() in the NFSv4 implementation of the Linux Kernel can potentially lead to system crashes or code execution with elevated privileges. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version v4.14.235 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability could range from a system crash to potential code execution with elevated privileges. However, the actual impact and attack plausibility have not been proven yet.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert uses a manifest file like package-lock.json to monitor and alert in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in the software.
No specific workaround has been mentioned for this vulnerability. It is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to the patched version.
This vulnerability was introduced in Linux Kernel version v4.14.233 by commit 7b7b9774643220e53eef58c15bb29bd4182fe053. It is fixed in version v4.14.235 by commit 42637ca25c7d7b5a92804a679af5192e8c1a9f48.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the GSD-2021-1000682 JSON file available at https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2021/1000xxx/GSD-2021-1000682.json.
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