Data Race Vulnerability in Linux Kernel
Summary
GSD-2022-1004773: tcp: Fix a data-race around sysctl_tcp_early_retrans. Affects Kernel versions >= eed530b6c67624db3f2cf477bac7c4d005d8f7ba, < 488d3ad98ef7cddce7054193dbae6b4349c6807d. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
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 enables the functioning of various devices and services on Linux-based systems. The vulnerability identified in this report pertains to the TCP implementation within the Linux Kernel.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the Linux Kernel involves a data race around the sysctl_tcp_early_retrans parameter. A data race occurs when multiple threads or processes access shared data concurrently without proper synchronization, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential security vulnerabilities. In this case, the data race can be exploited by an attacker to manipulate the sysctl_tcp_early_retrans parameter, potentially causing network performance issues or even facilitating remote code execution. The vulnerability was introduced in version v3.5 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v4.19.254.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a workaround, users can disable the sysctl_tcp_early_retrans parameter by setting its value to 0. This can be done by modifying the system's configuration file or using the sysctl command. However, it is important to note that disabling this parameter may have an impact on network performance and should only be considered as a temporary solution until the Kernel can be updated.
Conclusion
The data race vulnerability in the Linux Kernel around the sysctl_tcp_early_retrans parameter poses a potential security risk, allowing attackers to manipulate network behavior and potentially execute arbitrary code. It is crucial to update the Kernel to the fixed version or apply the recommended workaround to mitigate the vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
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.
A data race occurs when multiple threads or processes access shared data concurrently without proper synchronization, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential security vulnerabilities.
sysctl_tcp_early_retrans is a parameter in the Linux Kernel that controls the behavior of early retransmission of TCP packets. It affects network performance and can be manipulated by an attacker in the presence of the data race vulnerability.
Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to network performance issues and potentially enable remote code execution, allowing an attacker to gain unauthorized access to the system.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.19.254 or later. Alternatively, users can disable the sysctl_tcp_early_retrans parameter as a temporary workaround.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
