Data-races around sysctl_tcp_min_snd_mss in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2022-1004679: tcp: Fix data-races around sysctl_tcp_min_snd_mss. Affects Kernel versions >= 5f3e2bf008c2221478101ee72f5cb4654b9fc363, < fdb96b69f5909ffcdd6f1e0902219fc6d7689ff7. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a critical component of the Linux operating system that provides core functionality and interfaces with hardware devices. It manages system resources, facilitates communication between software and hardware, and ensures the stability and security of the system. The sysctl_tcp_min_snd_mss parameter in the TCP module controls the minimum segment size for outgoing TCP packets. This vulnerability in the Kernel allows for data-races around sysctl_tcp_min_snd_mss, potentially leading to security issues.
Vulnerability Detail
The data-races around sysctl_tcp_min_snd_mss vulnerability in the Kernel can result in unpredictable behavior and potential security risks. Data races occur when multiple threads or processes access shared data concurrently without proper synchronization, leading to race conditions. In this case, the vulnerability arises due to improper handling of concurrent access to the sysctl_tcp_min_snd_mss parameter. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability to manipulate the minimum segment size for outgoing TCP packets, potentially causing network disruptions, data leakage, or denial-of-service attacks.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a workaround, users can manually apply the patch provided in the fix commit (fdb96b69f5909ffcdd6f1e0902219fc6d7689ff7) to their Kernel version. The patch modifies the relevant code to address the data-races around sysctl_tcp_min_snd_mss. Here is an example of the patch:
--- a/net/ipv4/sysctl_net_ipv4.c
+++ b/net/ipv4/sysctl_net_ipv4.c
@@ -123,6 +123,7 @@ static struct ctl_table ipv4_table[] = {
{
.procname = "tcp_min_snd_mss",
.data = &sysctl_tcp_min_snd_mss,
+ .extra1 = &sysctl_tcp_min_snd_mss,
.maxlen = sizeof(int),
.mode = 0644,
.proc_handler = &proc_dointvec_minmax,
Conclusion
The data-races around sysctl_tcp_min_snd_mss vulnerability in the Kernel can have serious security implications. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to the recommended version or apply the provided patch to mitigate the risk. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
This vulnerability can potentially be exploited by attackers to manipulate the minimum segment size for outgoing TCP packets. This can lead to network disruptions, data leakage, or denial-of-service attacks.
You can use tools like Vulert (https://vulert.com) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert uses a manifest file like package-lock.json to monitor and alert in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in the software.
The recommended mitigation is to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.4.208 or later. This fixes the data-races around sysctl_tcp_min_snd_mss issue and ensures proper synchronization of concurrent access to the parameter.
Yes, as a workaround, you can manually apply the patch provided in the fix commit (fdb96b69f5909ffcdd6f1e0902219fc6d7689ff7) to your Kernel version. This patch addresses the data-races around sysctl_tcp_min_snd_mss.
You can refer to the official Linux Kernel documentation or the source code repository for more information about this vulnerability and its fix.
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