Use-after-free read vulnerability in drm_getunique() in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2021-1000872: drm: Fix use-after-free read in drm_getunique(). Affects Kernel versions < 7d233ba700ceb593905ea82b42dadb4ec8ef85e9. 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 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 drm_getunique() function is part of the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem in the Kernel, responsible for managing graphics and display devices.
The vulnerability in drm_getunique() arises from a use-after-free read issue. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program accesses memory after it has been freed, leading to potential memory corruption or arbitrary code execution. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access, escalate privileges, or cause a denial-of-service condition.
Vulnerability Detail
The use-after-free read vulnerability in drm_getunique() allows an attacker to read from freed memory, potentially leading to memory corruption or arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability can be triggered by a specific sequence of operations that result in the freeing of memory that is later accessed. By carefully crafting such operations, an attacker can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access or perform other malicious actions.
The impact of this vulnerability depends on the context in which it is exploited. If successfully exploited, an attacker may be able to read sensitive information from kernel memory, modify critical data structures, or execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This could lead to a complete compromise of the affected system.
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 apply a patch or backport the fix to their current Kernel version. The patch can be obtained from the commit 7d233ba700ceb593905ea82b42dadb4ec8ef85e9 in the Linux Kernel repository.
To apply the patch, follow these steps:
- Download the patch file from the commit mentioned above.
- Navigate to the Kernel source code directory.
- Apply the patch using the 'patch' command.
- Recompile and reinstall the Kernel.
Note: Applying patches or backporting fixes requires knowledge of the Kernel build process and may not be suitable for all users. It is recommended to update to the latest stable version of the Kernel whenever possible.
Conclusion
The use-after-free read vulnerability in drm_getunique() in the Kernel can have severe security implications, potentially leading to unauthorized access, privilege escalation, or denial-of-service. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version v4.19.195 or later, which includes the fix for this vulnerability. Applying the patch or backporting the fix can serve as a temporary workaround for users who cannot immediately update their Kernel. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
A use-after-free vulnerability occurs when a program continues to use a memory region after it has been freed. This can lead to memory corruption, crashes, or arbitrary code execution.
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by carefully crafting a sequence of operations that trigger the use-after-free condition. By exploiting this condition, the attacker may be able to read sensitive information, modify critical data structures, or execute arbitrary code.
The impact of this vulnerability depends on the context in which it is exploited. If successfully exploited, an attacker may be able to read sensitive information from kernel memory, modify critical data structures, or execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This could lead to a complete compromise of the affected system.
Yes, this vulnerability has been fixed in Linux Kernel version v4.19.195 by commit 7d233ba700ceb593905ea82b42dadb4ec8ef85e9. It is recommended to update the Kernel to the patched version to eliminate the vulnerability.
Yes, users can apply a patch or backport the fix to their current Kernel version. However, applying patches or backporting fixes requires knowledge of the Kernel build process and may not be suitable for all users. It is recommended to update to the latest stable version of the Kernel whenever possible.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
