Use-after-free vulnerability in watchdog package
Summary
GSD-2021-1001269: watchdog: Fix possible use-after-free by calling del_timer_sync(). Affects Kernel versions < 66ba9cf929b1c4fabf545bd4c18f6f64e23e46e4. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The watchdog package is a component of the Linux Kernel that monitors the system's health and restarts it if necessary. It includes a timer mechanism to periodically check for system responsiveness. However, a use-after-free vulnerability has been discovered in the watchdog package, which could lead to a system crash or potential code execution.
Vulnerability Detail
The use-after-free vulnerability in the watchdog package occurs when the del_timer_sync() function is called. This function is responsible for deleting a timer, but it does not properly handle the case where the timer is already in use. As a result, a reference to the timer may still exist after it has been freed, leading to a use-after-free condition. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code or crash the system.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to update the Linux Kernel to the fixed version to mitigate the risk.
Conclusion
The use-after-free vulnerability in the watchdog package can be mitigated by updating the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.52 or later. This update includes a fix for the vulnerability, preventing potential system crashes and code execution. For further assistance with vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The watchdog package is a component of the Linux Kernel that monitors the system's health and restarts it if necessary.
A use-after-free vulnerability occurs when a program continues to use a memory reference after it has been freed, leading to potential crashes or code execution.
The del_timer_sync() function is responsible for deleting a timer in the watchdog package.
The use-after-free vulnerability in the watchdog package could result in system crashes or allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
To fix this vulnerability, update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.52 or later, which includes the necessary patch.
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