Vulnerability in Kernel: i2c: acpi: fix resource leak in reconfiguration device addition
Summary
GSD-2021-1001548: i2c: acpi: fix resource leak in reconfiguration device addition. Affects Kernel versions >= 525e6fabeae286848592363bda13bc34b59bb5ac, < 3d9d458a8aaafa47268ea4f1b4114a9f12927989. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a critical component of the Linux operating system that acts as a bridge between the hardware and software layers. It provides essential functionalities and services to enable proper communication and interaction between the operating system and the computer's hardware components. One of the components within the Kernel is the i2c (Inter-Integrated Circuit) subsystem, which facilitates communication between integrated circuits on the motherboard. The ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) layer in the Kernel is responsible for managing hardware resources and configurations. However, a vulnerability has been identified in the i2c: acpi component, which can lead to a resource leak during device reconfiguration. This vulnerability could potentially be exploited by attackers to cause resource exhaustion, system instability, or even escalate privileges.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the i2c: acpi component of the Kernel arises from a resource leak issue during device reconfiguration. When devices are added or reconfigured, resources allocated for the previous configuration are not properly released, leading to a gradual depletion of available resources. This can result in resource exhaustion, system instability, or even privilege escalation if an attacker can manipulate the reconfiguration process. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet, but it is crucial to address it to ensure system stability and security. The vulnerability was introduced in version v4.8 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v4.19.211.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a workaround, users can mitigate the risk of resource exhaustion by limiting the frequency of device reconfigurations or avoiding unnecessary reconfigurations altogether. By minimizing the number of device additions or changes, the potential for resource leaks and depletion can be reduced. However, this workaround may not completely eliminate the vulnerability and is not a substitute for applying the official fix by updating the Kernel.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the i2c: acpi component of the Kernel can lead to resource leaks during device reconfiguration, potentially causing resource exhaustion, system instability, or privilege escalation. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.19.211 or later to address this vulnerability. Additionally, minimizing unnecessary device reconfigurations can help mitigate the risk. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The Kernel is a critical component of the Linux operating system that acts as a bridge between the hardware and software layers. It provides essential functionalities and services to enable proper communication and interaction between the operating system and the computer's hardware components.
The i2c (Inter-Integrated Circuit) subsystem is a component within the Kernel that facilitates communication between integrated circuits on the motherboard. It enables devices to exchange data and commands using a two-wire serial interface.
ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) is a layer in the Kernel that manages hardware resources and configurations. It provides a standardized interface for configuring and controlling various aspects of a computer's hardware, including power management and device configurations.
A resource leak refers to a situation where resources, such as memory or file handles, are allocated but not properly released when they are no longer needed. This can lead to resource exhaustion, system instability, and potential security vulnerabilities.
If an attacker can manipulate the device reconfiguration process, they may be able to trigger the resource leak and deplete available resources. This can result in resource exhaustion, system instability, or even privilege escalation if the attacker can exploit the depleted resources to gain elevated privileges.
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