NFC: NULL out the dev->rfkill to prevent UAF in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2022-1003643: NFC: NULL out the dev->rfkill to prevent UAF. Affects Kernel versions >= 73a0d12114b4bc1a9def79a623264754b9df698e, < 2a1b5110c95e4d49c8c3906270dfcde680a5a7be. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a critical component of the Linux operating system that manages the communication between hardware and software. It provides essential services and functions for the proper functioning of the system. NFC (Near Field Communication) is a technology that allows devices to communicate wirelessly over short distances. It is commonly used for contactless payments, data transfer, and access control. The Kernel includes support for NFC devices, enabling the system to interact with NFC-enabled hardware. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the Kernel's NFC implementation that could lead to a Use-After-Free (UAF) issue.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the Kernel's NFC implementation arises from a failure to properly handle a specific scenario. When certain conditions are met, it is possible for a Use-After-Free (UAF) vulnerability to occur. A UAF vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service. In this case, the vulnerability is triggered by not nulling out the dev->rfkill pointer. This vulnerability was introduced in version v5.10.82 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.10.121.
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 manually nulling out the dev->rfkill pointer in the affected code. Here is an example of how this can be done:
// Null out dev->rfkill
dev->rfkill = NULL;
Please note that this workaround is not a permanent solution and should only be used until the Kernel can be updated.
Conclusion
The NFC implementation in the Linux Kernel is vulnerable to a Use-After-Free (UAF) issue, which can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version v5.10.121 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. If immediate updating is not possible, the provided workaround can be used as a temporary measure. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability could potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service on a system running an affected version of the Linux Kernel.
You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert 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 one.
At the time of this report, there is no known exploit for this vulnerability. However, it is important to promptly update the Kernel to mitigate the risk.
Yes, this vulnerability can be exploited remotely if the affected system is accessible over a network. It is crucial to update the Kernel as soon as possible to prevent potential attacks.
The primary mitigation for this vulnerability is to update the Linux Kernel to the fixed version. Applying the provided workaround can provide temporary protection until the update can be applied.
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