Refcount Leak in altera_tse_mdio_create in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2022-1003847: net: altera: Fix refcount leak in altera_tse_mdio_create. Affects Kernel versions >= bbd2190ce96d8fce031f0526c1f970b68adc9d1a, < 5cd0e22fa11f4a21a8c09cc258f20b1474c95801. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a crucial component of the Linux operating system that manages the system's resources and facilitates communication between hardware and software. It provides essential functionalities such as process management, memory management, and device drivers. The altera_tse_mdio_create function is part of the network subsystem in the Kernel and is responsible for creating a Management Data Input/Output (MDIO) interface for Altera Triple-Speed Ethernet (TSE) devices. This interface allows communication with external PHY devices connected to the TSE device. However, a vulnerability has been identified in the altera_tse_mdio_create function that leads to a refcount leak.
Vulnerability Detail
The refcount leak vulnerability in altera_tse_mdio_create arises from a failure to properly handle reference counting when creating an MDIO interface for Altera TSE devices. This can result in a resource leak, leading to memory corruption or exhaustion. An attacker with local access to the system may be able to exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges, execute arbitrary code, or cause a denial-of-service condition. The vulnerability was introduced in version v3.15 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v4.19.247.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
No specific workaround has been provided for this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The refcount leak vulnerability in altera_tse_mdio_create in the Kernel can lead to memory corruption or exhaustion, potentially allowing an attacker to escalate privileges, execute arbitrary code, or cause a denial-of-service condition. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.19.247 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Users can also utilize the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if their system is affected without requiring access to the code or installation. For further support on vulnerability remediation, contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability can potentially allow an attacker to escalate privileges, execute arbitrary code, or cause a denial-of-service condition.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected without requiring access to the code or installation.
Yes, the vulnerability has been fixed in version v4.19.247 of the Linux Kernel.
There are no known exploits for this vulnerability at the moment.
For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact info@devnack.com.
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