USB: dwc3: ep0: Fix NULL pointer exception in Linux Kernel
Summary
GSD-2021-1000877: usb: dwc3: ep0: fix NULL pointer exception. Affects Kernel versions < bd551e7c85939de2182010273450bfa78c3742fc. 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 Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system. It provides essential functionality and interfaces for various hardware devices and software components. The dwc3 driver is responsible for managing USB 3.0 controllers. The ep0 endpoint is the control endpoint used for device initialization and configuration. A NULL pointer exception vulnerability has been identified in the dwc3 ep0 code, which could lead to a system crash or potential privilege escalation.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the dwc3 ep0 code arises from a failure to handle NULL pointers correctly. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted USB packets to a vulnerable system, causing a NULL pointer exception and potentially crashing the system or executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The impact of this vulnerability depends on the context in which the vulnerable code is running. If the affected system is a critical infrastructure component or a privileged user's workstation, the consequences could be severe.
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
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, users can mitigate the risk by implementing general security best practices such as restricting physical access to vulnerable systems, applying strict access controls, and regularly updating their software and firmware.
Conclusion
The NULL pointer exception vulnerability in the dwc3 ep0 code of the Linux Kernel can potentially lead to system crashes or privilege escalation. It is crucial for users to update their Linux Kernel to version v4.19.195 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Implementing general security best practices and regularly updating software and firmware can also help reduce the risk. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability depends on the context in which the vulnerable code is running. If the affected system is a critical infrastructure component or a privileged user's workstation, the consequences could be severe. An attacker could potentially crash the system or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
You can use Vulert 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 in software using just a manifest file like package-lock.json.
At the time of this report, there is no known public exploit for this vulnerability. However, it is always recommended to apply security patches promptly to mitigate the risk.
While there is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability, users can mitigate the risk by implementing general security best practices such as restricting physical access to vulnerable systems, applying strict access controls, and regularly updating their software and firmware.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the Open Source Vulnerability Database (OSVDB) entry with ID GSD-2021-1000877. The database entry provides additional details, including the fix commit and relevant references.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
