Data Races in tcp: Fix data-races around sysctl_tcp_mtu_probing
Summary
GSD-2022-1004537: tcp: Fix data-races around sysctl_tcp_mtu_probing. Affects Kernel versions >= 5d424d5a674f782d0659a3b66d951f412901faee, < 77a04845f0d28a3561494a5f3121488470a968a4. 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 provides the core functionality for various Linux distributions. It is responsible for managing system resources, handling hardware devices, and providing essential services to user applications. The tcp module within the Linux Kernel is responsible for implementing the TCP/IP networking protocol, which is essential for reliable communication over the internet.
One of the features provided by the tcp module is the sysctl_tcp_mtu_probing parameter, which controls the behavior of Path MTU Discovery (PMTUD) for TCP connections. PMTUD is a mechanism that allows TCP to discover the maximum transmission unit (MTU) size of the network path between two hosts. The sysctl_tcp_mtu_probing parameter determines whether TCP should perform MTU probing to dynamically adjust the MTU size based on network conditions.
However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the tcp module that allows for data races around the sysctl_tcp_mtu_probing parameter. Data races occur when multiple threads or processes access shared data concurrently without proper synchronization, leading to unpredictable and potentially incorrect behavior. In the context of this vulnerability, data races can result in inconsistent or incorrect values being read or written to the sysctl_tcp_mtu_probing parameter, potentially leading to unexpected network behavior or security issues.
Vulnerability Detail
The data races around the sysctl_tcp_mtu_probing parameter in the tcp module of the Linux Kernel can have various consequences. Firstly, it can lead to inconsistent or incorrect values being read or written to the sysctl_tcp_mtu_probing parameter, which can result in unexpected network behavior. For example, if multiple threads or processes concurrently modify the sysctl_tcp_mtu_probing parameter, it may lead to conflicting values being applied, causing TCP connections to use different PMTUD behaviors. This can result in suboptimal network performance or even connection failures.
Furthermore, data races can also have security implications. If an attacker can control or influence the values read or written to the sysctl_tcp_mtu_probing parameter, they may be able to manipulate the PMTUD behavior of TCP connections. This could potentially be exploited to bypass network security measures or launch denial-of-service attacks.
It is important to note that the impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet. However, given the nature of data races and their potential consequences, it is crucial to address this vulnerability to ensure the stability, performance, and security of TCP connections in the Linux Kernel.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As this vulnerability has been fixed in the Linux Kernel version v5.10.134, there is no specific workaround available. Users are advised to update their Linux Kernel to the fixed version to mitigate the vulnerability.
Conclusion
The data races around the sysctl_tcp_mtu_probing parameter in the tcp module of the Linux Kernel can lead to inconsistent or incorrect values being read or written, potentially resulting in unexpected network behavior or security issues. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.134 or later to fix this vulnerability. Regularly updating the Linux Kernel is recommended to ensure the latest security patches and bug fixes. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The sysctl_tcp_mtu_probing parameter is a configuration option in the tcp module of the Linux Kernel that controls the behavior of Path MTU Discovery (PMTUD) for TCP connections. PMTUD is a mechanism that allows TCP to discover the maximum transmission unit (MTU) size of the network path between two hosts.
Data races occur when multiple threads or processes access shared data concurrently without proper synchronization. This can lead to unpredictable and potentially incorrect behavior, as conflicting or inconsistent values may be read or written.
Data races in the tcp module can result in inconsistent or incorrect values being read or written to the sysctl_tcp_mtu_probing parameter. This can lead to unexpected network behavior, suboptimal performance, connection failures, or even security issues if an attacker can manipulate the parameter's values.
There is no evidence to suggest that this vulnerability has been exploited in the wild. However, it is still important to address this vulnerability to ensure the stability, performance, and security of TCP connections in the Linux Kernel.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file to the playground, and it will analyze the dependencies and alert you if any vulnerabilities, including this one, are found.
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