Data Race Vulnerability in Linux Kernel
Summary
GSD-2022-1004532: tcp: Fix a data-race around sysctl_tcp_probe_threshold. Affects Kernel versions >= 6b58e0a5f32dedb609438bb9c9c82aa6e23381f2, < d452ce36f2d4c402fa3f5275c9677f80166e7fc6. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing system resources and providing an interface for applications to interact with the hardware. It is a critical piece of software that is widely used in various devices, including servers, desktops, and embedded systems. The vulnerability identified in this report relates to a data race issue in the TCP implementation of the Linux Kernel.
Vulnerability Detail
The data race vulnerability in the Linux Kernel's TCP implementation revolves around a specific sysctl parameter called sysctl_tcp_probe_threshold. This parameter is used to define the threshold at which TCP connection probing is triggered. However, due to a data race condition, concurrent access to this parameter can lead to unexpected behavior and potential security risks. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to manipulate the sysctl_tcp_probe_threshold value, leading to denial of service (DoS) attacks or other security breaches. The vulnerability was introduced in version 4.1 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version 5.10.134.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a workaround, users can manually modify the sysctl_tcp_probe_threshold parameter to a safe value, ensuring that it is not susceptible to manipulation by potential attackers. This can be achieved by editing the sysctl configuration file (/etc/sysctl.conf or /etc/sysctl.d/*) and setting the sysctl_tcp_probe_threshold parameter to a desired value. After making the changes, the sysctl settings can be reloaded using the 'sysctl -p' command.
Conclusion
The data race vulnerability in the Linux Kernel's TCP implementation poses a potential security risk that can be exploited by attackers. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version 5.10.134 or later to address this vulnerability. Additionally, users can apply a workaround by manually modifying the sysctl_tcp_probe_threshold parameter. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The data race vulnerability in the Linux Kernel's TCP implementation can potentially be exploited by attackers to manipulate the sysctl_tcp_probe_threshold parameter, leading to denial of service (DoS) attacks or other security breaches.
You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file, and Vulert will analyze it for any open-source vulnerabilities, including this data race issue in the Linux Kernel.
Yes, this vulnerability has been fixed in version 5.10.134 of the Linux Kernel. It is recommended to update to this version or later to mitigate the risk associated with the data race issue.
Yes, as a workaround, you can manually modify the sysctl_tcp_probe_threshold parameter to a safe value. This can be done by editing the sysctl configuration file and setting the parameter accordingly.
The updated Linux Kernel version can be obtained from the official Linux Kernel repository or through your Linux distribution's package management system.
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