ftrace: Blind IP Address Reading Vulnerability in Kernel

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

30/06/2021
N/A
No i
Unrated
Not published

GSD-2021-1000858: ftrace: Do not blindly read the ip address in ftrace_bug(). Affects Kernel versions >= 05736a427f7e16be948ccbf39782bd3a6ae16b14, < acf671ba79c1feccc3ec7cfdcffead4efcec49e7. 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 processes, and ensures security and stability. The ftrace subsystem within the Kernel allows for dynamic tracing of kernel functions and provides debugging capabilities. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in ftrace that allows for blind reading of IP addresses, potentially leading to security breaches and unauthorized access.

Vulnerability Detail

The ftrace subsystem in the Kernel blindly reads IP addresses in the ftrace_bug() function. This vulnerability, identified as GSD-2021-1000858, was introduced in version v2.6.28 of the Kernel and affects all subsequent versions until v4.14.237. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to obtain sensitive information or launch further attacks. 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 available for this vulnerability. It is crucial to apply the recommended fix by updating the Linux Kernel to the patched version.

Conclusion

The ftrace subsystem in the Linux Kernel is vulnerable to blind reading of IP addresses, which can lead to unauthorized access and information disclosure. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version v4.14.237 or later to fix this vulnerability. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

The ftrace subsystem is a dynamic tracing framework in the Linux Kernel that allows for runtime tracing of kernel functions. It provides debugging capabilities and aids in performance analysis.

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the blind reading of IP addresses in the ftrace_bug() function. This could potentially lead to unauthorized access, information disclosure, or further exploitation of the system.

This vulnerability affects versions of the Linux Kernel starting from v2.6.28 up to v4.14.237. It is recommended to update to version v4.14.237 or later to mitigate the risk.

No, the impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet. However, it is crucial to apply the recommended fix to ensure the security and integrity of the system.

To update the Linux Kernel, you can follow the official documentation provided by your Linux distribution. Typically, it involves using package managers or manually compiling and installing the updated Kernel version.

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How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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