Use-after-free vulnerability in watchdog package
Summary
GSD-2021-1001478: watchdog: Fix possible use-after-free by calling del_timer_sync(). Affects Kernel versions < 58606882ad8ec6c39e0f40344b922921ef94ab4d. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The watchdog package is a component of the Linux Kernel, which is responsible for monitoring the system and ensuring its stability. It includes a timer mechanism that periodically checks for system responsiveness. However, a use-after-free vulnerability has been discovered in the watchdog package, which could potentially lead to system instability or crashes.
Vulnerability Detail
The use-after-free vulnerability in the watchdog package occurs when a timer is not properly handled. Specifically, the del_timer_sync() function is not called, resulting in a potential use of a freed timer object. This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service attack. It is important to note that the impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.4.276 or later. This update includes a commit (58606882ad8ec6c39e0f40344b922921ef94ab4d) that addresses the use-after-free issue in the watchdog package. Updating the kernel will ensure that the vulnerable code is replaced with the patched version.
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, applying the recommended fix by updating the Linux Kernel is the best course of action.
Conclusion
The use-after-free vulnerability in the watchdog package can be mitigated by updating the Linux Kernel to version v4.4.276 or later. This update includes a fix for the vulnerability, ensuring the proper handling of timers. For further support on 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 and ensures its stability.
A use-after-free vulnerability occurs when a program continues to use a memory object after it has been freed, leading to potential security issues.
Exploiting this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service attack, potentially leading to system instability or crashes.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.4.276 or later, which includes a patch for the use-after-free issue in the watchdog package.
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. Updating the Linux Kernel is the recommended solution.
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