USB: dwc3: ep0: Fix NULL pointer exception in Linux Kernel
Summary
GSD-2021-1000898: usb: dwc3: ep0: fix NULL pointer exception. Affects Kernel versions < 366369b89bedd59b1425386e8d4a18a466e420e4. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux Kernel is a widely used open-source operating system kernel that serves as the foundation for various Linux distributions. It provides essential functionality for hardware abstraction, process management, memory management, and device drivers. The dwc3 driver is responsible for handling USB functionality on systems with DesignWare USB 3.0 IP. The ep0 endpoint is the control endpoint used for USB device communication. However, a vulnerability in the dwc3 driver's ep0 implementation can lead to a NULL pointer exception, potentially causing a system crash or other unexpected behavior.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the dwc3 driver's ep0 implementation arises from a failure to handle NULL pointers correctly. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted USB packets to the affected system, triggering the NULL pointer exception. This could result in a denial-of-service condition, system instability, or potential privilege escalation if combined with other vulnerabilities. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet. The vulnerability has been addressed in the Linux Kernel version v5.4.126 by commit 366369b89bedd59b1425386e8d4a18a466e420e4.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, users can mitigate the risk by ensuring that their systems are not exposed to untrusted USB devices or by implementing strict USB device access controls.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the dwc3 driver's ep0 implementation can lead to a NULL pointer exception, potentially causing system crashes or instability. It is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.4.126 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability can range from a system crash or instability to potential privilege escalation if combined with other vulnerabilities. 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.
Yes, the vulnerability has been fixed in the Linux Kernel version v5.4.126 by commit 366369b89bedd59b1425386e8d4a18a466e420e4. It is recommended to update to this version or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
There are no known exploits for this vulnerability at the moment. However, it is always advisable to apply security patches promptly to protect against potential future exploits.
While there is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability, you can mitigate the risk by ensuring that your system is not exposed to untrusted USB devices and by implementing strict USB device access controls.
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