Vulnerability in Linux Kernel: cgroup: verify that source is a string

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

03/08/2021
N/A
No i
Unrated
Not published

GSD-2021-1001284: cgroup: verify that source is a string. Affects Kernel versions >= 8d2451f4994fa60a57617282bab91b98266a00b1, < 811763e3beb6c922d168e9f509ec593e9240842e. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The Linux Kernel is a critical component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing system resources and providing an interface between hardware and software. It is a widely used open-source package that powers numerous devices and servers. The cgroup subsystem within the Linux Kernel allows for resource isolation and control, enabling efficient resource allocation for processes. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the cgroup subsystem that could potentially be exploited by attackers.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in the cgroup subsystem involves a failure to properly verify that the 'source' parameter is a string. This oversight could allow an attacker to manipulate the 'source' parameter and potentially execute arbitrary code or perform unauthorized actions. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not yet been proven, but it is essential to address it to ensure the security of systems running the affected version of the Linux Kernel.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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Workaround

As a workaround, users can apply the patch provided in commit 811763e3beb6c922d168e9f509ec593e9240842e manually. Here is an example of how to apply the patch:

  1. Clone the Linux Kernel repository: git clone https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/stable/linux.git

  2. Checkout the commit that fixes the vulnerability: git checkout 811763e3beb6c922d168e9f509ec593e9240842e

  3. Recompile and install the Kernel with the patched code.

It is strongly recommended to update to the latest stable version of the Linux Kernel instead of relying on manual patching.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a vulnerability has been discovered in the cgroup subsystem of the Linux Kernel that could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or perform unauthorized actions. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.52 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Alternatively, users can manually apply the provided patch, but updating to the latest stable version is strongly recommended. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

The impact of this vulnerability is not yet proven, but it has the potential to allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or perform unauthorized actions on systems running the affected version of the Linux Kernel.

You can use Vulert's playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file, and Vulert will analyze it in real-time to identify any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.

Yes, a fix for this vulnerability is available in the Linux Kernel version v5.10.52 or later. It is recommended to update to the latest stable version of the Kernel to ensure the vulnerability is patched.

Yes, a workaround is available by manually applying the patch provided in commit 811763e3beb6c922d168e9f509ec593e9240842e. However, it is strongly recommended to update to the latest stable version of the Linux Kernel instead of relying on manual patching.

You can find more information about this vulnerability in the GSD-2021-1001284.json file available in the GSD database maintained by the Cloud Security Alliance. The file can be accessed at: https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2021/1001xxx/GSD-2021-1001284.json

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How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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