HID: magicmouse: fix NULL-deref on disconnect in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2021-1000751: HID: magicmouse: fix NULL-deref on disconnect. Affects Kernel versions >= 9d7b18668956c411a422d04c712994c5fdb23a4b, < 368c5d45a87e1bcc7f1e98e0c255c37b7b12c5d6. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a fundamental component of the Linux operating system that provides core functionalities and acts as a bridge between hardware and software. It manages system resources, facilitates communication between different software components, and ensures the stability and security of the system. The HID (Human Interface Device) subsystem in the Kernel handles input devices such as keyboards, mice, and touchpads. One of the supported devices is the magicmouse, a wireless mouse manufactured by Apple. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the magicmouse driver that can lead to a NULL-dereference when the device is disconnected.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the magicmouse driver occurs when the device is disconnected. A NULL-dereference error can occur, which may result in a system crash or potential privilege escalation if exploited by an attacker. This vulnerability was introduced in Kernel version v4.20 and has been fixed in version v5.4.125. 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. However, users can mitigate the risk by ensuring their Kernel is up to date and applying the necessary patches.
Conclusion
The HID: magicmouse vulnerability in the Linux Kernel can lead to a NULL-dereference error when the magicmouse device is disconnected. This vulnerability has been fixed in Kernel version v5.4.125. To ensure the security of your system, it is recommended to update the Kernel to the latest version. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can reach out to DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability can range from a system crash to potential privilege escalation if exploited by an attacker.
You can use Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/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.
As of now, there is no known exploit for this vulnerability. However, it is important to update the Kernel to the latest version to mitigate any potential risks.
The recommended approach is to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.4.125 or later, as it includes the necessary fix for this vulnerability. Manual patching may require in-depth knowledge of the Kernel code and is not recommended for general users.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the GSD-2021-1000751 entry of the GSD Database maintained by the Cloud Security Alliance. The link to the entry is available in the references section.
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