NFC: NULL out the dev->rfkill to prevent UAF in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2022-1004084: NFC: NULL out the dev->rfkill to prevent UAF. Affects Kernel versions >= ff169909eac9e00bf1aa0af739ba6ddfb1b1d135, < a8e03bcad52dc9afabf650fdbad84f739cec9efa. 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 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. The NFC (Near Field Communication) subsystem in the Kernel enables devices to communicate wirelessly over short distances. It is commonly used for contactless payments, data transfer, and other applications. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the Kernel's NFC subsystem that could lead to a Use-After-Free (UAF) issue.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the Kernel's NFC subsystem arises from a failure to properly handle memory deallocation. Specifically, the 'dev->rfkill' variable is not set to NULL after freeing the associated memory, which can result in a Use-After-Free condition. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.9.318 or later. The fix for this issue was implemented in commit 'a8e03bcad52dc9afabf650fdbad84f739cec9efa'. Updating to the latest version of the Kernel ensures that the 'dev->rfkill' variable is properly handled, preventing the UAF vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. It is advised to apply the fix by updating the Kernel to the recommended version.
Conclusion
The NFC subsystem in the Linux Kernel is vulnerable to a Use-After-Free issue due to improper memory handling. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to update the Kernel to version v4.9.318 or later. This update ensures that the 'dev->rfkill' variable is correctly handled, preventing potential exploitation. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability could range from arbitrary code execution to a denial-of-service condition. However, the actual impact and attack plausibility have not been proven yet.
You can use Vulert's playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities without requiring access to the code or installation.
At the time of this report, there is no known exploit for this vulnerability. However, it is crucial to apply the recommended fix to mitigate any potential risks.
The remote exploitability of this vulnerability has not been determined yet. It is advisable to update the Kernel to the latest version to ensure the system is protected against any potential remote exploitation.
The specific prerequisites for exploiting this vulnerability have not been identified yet. However, it is always recommended to keep the system up to date with the latest security patches to minimize the risk of exploitation.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
Follow Vulert in Google
Get more Vulert vulnerability and dependency-security updates in Google Search and AI results.