Deadlock Vulnerability in drivers: staging: rtl8192e
Summary
GSD-2022-1002902: drivers: staging: rtl8192e: Fix deadlock in rtllib_beacons_stop(). Affects Kernel versions < 46c861009bf437a18417df24cea0d181741b7d72. 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 drivers: staging: rtl8192e package is a component of the Linux Kernel, which is responsible for managing the Realtek RTL8192E wireless network adapter. This package provides the necessary drivers and functionality for the proper functioning of the adapter. The rtl8192e module in the staging directory is used for testing and development purposes and is not considered stable. However, it is still susceptible to vulnerabilities that can impact the overall stability and security of the system.
Vulnerability Detail
The identified vulnerability in the drivers: staging: rtl8192e package is a deadlock issue in the rtllib_beacons_stop() function. This function is responsible for stopping the transmission of beacon frames in the wireless network. Due to a flaw in the implementation, a deadlock can occur when multiple threads attempt to access the function simultaneously. This deadlock can lead to a system freeze or unresponsiveness, potentially impacting the availability of the system. The vulnerability has been addressed in the Linux Kernel version v5.17.15 by commit 46c861009bf437a18417df24cea0d181741b7d72.
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
As a workaround, users can avoid using the rtl8192e module in the staging directory and opt for stable and supported wireless network adapters and drivers. This can help mitigate the risk of encountering the deadlock vulnerability. Additionally, users can consider disabling the affected module if it is not required for their system's functionality.
Conclusion
The deadlock vulnerability in the drivers: staging: rtl8192e package can have severe consequences on the availability and stability of the system. It is crucial to apply the recommended fix by updating the Linux Kernel to version v5.17.15 or later. Users can also consider using the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if their system is affected and receive real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The vulnerability can lead to a system deadlock, causing the system to freeze or become unresponsive. This can result in a loss of availability and disrupt normal system operations.
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 to the playground, and it will provide real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities, including this specific issue.
At the time of this report, there is no known exploit for this vulnerability. However, it is important to apply the recommended fix to ensure the system's security and stability.
While it is possible to manually patch the affected code, it is generally recommended to update the entire kernel to the latest version. This ensures that all relevant security fixes and improvements are applied, providing a comprehensive solution.
Yes, there are several alternative wireless network adapters and drivers available that are considered stable and supported. It is recommended to research and choose a reliable adapter and driver combination that is compatible with your system and meets your requirements.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.