Vulnerability in Kernel: i2c: i801: Don't generate an interrupt on bus reset
Summary
GSD-2021-1000703: i2c: i801: Don't generate an interrupt on bus reset. Affects Kernel versions >= 636752bcb5177a301d0266270661581de8624828, < f9469082126cebb7337db3992d143f5e4edfe629. 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 functionalities and acts as an interface between hardware and software. It manages system resources, facilitates communication between different software components, and ensures the overall stability and security of the system. The i2c subsystem in the Kernel is responsible for supporting inter-integrated circuit communication, enabling devices to communicate with each other using a two-wire serial bus. The i801 driver specifically handles the Intel 82801 (ICH) SMBus controller. This vulnerability affects the i2c: i801 driver and its behavior during a bus reset.
Vulnerability Detail
The i2c: i801 driver in the Kernel generates an interrupt on bus reset, which can lead to potential security vulnerabilities. An attacker could exploit this behavior to disrupt the normal operation of the system or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The interrupt generated during a bus reset can be leveraged to perform various attacks, such as denial-of-service (DoS) attacks or privilege escalation. The vulnerability was introduced in version v3.6 of the Kernel and has been fixed in version v4.4.271.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
If updating the Kernel is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround can be implemented by disabling the i2c: i801 driver. This can be achieved by blacklisting the driver module or modifying the Kernel configuration to exclude the driver from being built. However, it is important to note that this workaround may impact the functionality of devices relying on the i2c: i801 driver.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the i2c: i801 driver of the Linux Kernel, which generates an interrupt on bus reset, can have serious security implications. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version v4.4.271 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. If immediate update is not possible, disabling the i2c: i801 driver can serve as a temporary workaround. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
This vulnerability can potentially be exploited by attackers to disrupt the normal operation of the system or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. It can lead to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks or privilege escalation.
The vulnerability was introduced in version v3.6 of the Kernel. All versions between v3.6 and v4.4.271 are affected.
You can use tools like Vulert (https://vulert.com) to check if your system 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.
Yes, a temporary workaround is to disable the i2c: i801 driver. This can be done by blacklisting the driver module or modifying the Kernel configuration.
More details about the fix can be found in the Linux Kernel repository. The commit f9469082126cebb7337db3992d143f5e4edfe629 addresses this vulnerability.
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