Memory Leak in nfcmrvl_play_deferred in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2022-1004765: nfc: nfcmrvl: Fix memory leak in nfcmrvl_play_deferred. Affects Kernel versions < 6b4d8b44e7163a77fe942f5b80e1651c1b78c537. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a crucial component of the Linux operating system that manages system resources and facilitates communication between hardware and software. It provides essential functionalities such as process management, memory management, and device drivers. The nfcmrvl module within the Kernel is responsible for handling Near Field Communication (NFC) operations using Marvell NFC hardware. NFC enables short-range wireless communication between devices and is commonly used for contactless payments, data transfer, and access control. However, a memory leak vulnerability has been identified in the nfcmrvl_play_deferred function, which can lead to resource exhaustion and potential system instability.
Vulnerability Detail
The nfcmrvl_play_deferred function in the nfcmrvl module of the Kernel suffers from a memory leak vulnerability. When this function is called, it allocates memory for a specific operation but fails to release it properly, resulting in a continuous accumulation of unreleased memory. If an attacker repeatedly triggers this function, it can lead to a depletion of available system memory, causing performance degradation or even system crashes. Exploiting this vulnerability may allow an attacker to launch denial-of-service attacks or gain elevated privileges by exhausting system resources. The vulnerability has been fixed in Linux Kernel version v5.4.200 by commit 6b4d8b44e7163a77fe942f5b80e1651c1b78c537.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can disable the nfcmrvl module if it is not required for their system's functionality. This can be achieved by blacklisting the module or preventing it from loading during system startup. However, this workaround may result in the loss of NFC capabilities on the affected system.
Conclusion
The memory leak vulnerability in nfcmrvl_play_deferred within the Kernel can lead to resource exhaustion and potential system instability. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.4.200 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Users can also consider temporarily disabling the nfcmrvl module if it is not required, but this may result in the loss of NFC capabilities. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability can lead to memory exhaustion, causing performance degradation or system crashes. It may also allow attackers to launch denial-of-service attacks or gain elevated privileges.
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 for any known vulnerabilities.
Yes, the vulnerability has been fixed in Linux Kernel version v5.4.200 by commit 6b4d8b44e7163a77fe942f5b80e1651c1b78c537. It is recommended to update to this version or a later one to mitigate the issue.
As a temporary workaround, you can disable the nfcmrvl module if it is not required for your system's functionality. However, this may result in the loss of NFC capabilities on the affected system.
You can refer to the vulnerability details in the GSD database (https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2022/1004xxx/GSD-2022-1004765.json) for more information about this specific vulnerability.
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