Vulnerability in Kernel: smackfs: restrict bytes count in smk_set_cipso()
Summary
GSD-2021-1001390: smackfs: restrict bytes count in smk_set_cipso(). Affects Kernel versions < cbd87ba6a13891acf6180783f8234a8b7a3e3d4d. 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 Kernel is a critical component of the Linux operating system that provides core functionalities and interfaces between hardware and software. It manages system resources, facilitates communication between processes, and enforces security policies. The smackfs module within the Kernel is responsible for implementing the Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) Mandatory Access Control (MAC) mechanism. SELinux is a security framework that adds an additional layer of access control to the Linux system, allowing fine-grained permissions and restrictions.
The vulnerability identified in the smackfs module relates to the smk_set_cipso() function, which is used to set the Common IP Security Option (CIPSO) label for a given security context. The function fails to properly restrict the number of bytes processed, potentially leading to a buffer overflow or other memory corruption issues. This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause a denial of service.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in smackfs arises from a lack of proper bounds checking in the smk_set_cipso() function. By providing a specially crafted input, an attacker could exceed the expected byte count, leading to memory corruption or buffer overflow. This could enable the attacker to execute arbitrary code within the Kernel's context, potentially gaining elevated privileges or causing a system crash.
The vulnerability has been assigned the ID GSD-2021-1001390 and has been fixed in the Linux Kernel version v4.19.198 by commit cbd87ba6a13891acf6180783f8234a8b7a3e3d4d.
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 smackfs module if it is not required for their specific use case. This can be achieved by modifying the Kernel configuration and rebuilding it without the smackfs module. However, it is important to note that disabling the module may impact the functionality of SELinux and other security features provided by smackfs.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the smackfs module of the Kernel poses a significant risk to the security and stability of Linux systems. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version v4.19.198 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Users can also consider disabling the smackfs module if it is not necessary for their specific use case. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The vulnerability in smackfs could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause a denial of service. It poses a significant risk to the security and stability of the Linux system.
Yes, the vulnerability has been fixed in the Linux Kernel version v4.19.198 by commit cbd87ba6a13891acf6180783f8234a8b7a3e3d4d.
To update the Linux Kernel, you can pull the latest updates from the official Linux Kernel repository using the command: $ git pull https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/stable/linux.git. After updating, rebuild and reinstall the Kernel.
Yes, you can disable the smackfs module if it is not required for your specific use case. However, disabling the module may impact the functionality of SELinux and other security features provided by smackfs.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the GSD-2021-1001390 JSON file available at https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2021/1001xxx/GSD-2021-1001390.json.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
