Vulnerability in Kernel package: hwmon (mlxreg-fan)
Summary
GSD-2021-1001650: hwmon: (mlxreg-fan) Return non-zero value when fan current state is enforced from sysfs. Affects Kernel versions >= 65afb4c8e7e4e7e74b28efa1df62da503ca3e7a6, < 76bbb482d33bfcd7e9070ecf594c9ec73e01c930. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel package is a fundamental component of the Linux operating system. It provides the core functionality and interfaces for various hardware devices and system resources. The hwmon subsystem within the Kernel is responsible for monitoring and controlling hardware sensors, including fans. The mlxreg-fan driver is a part of hwmon and is used to manage fan speed and state. This vulnerability specifically affects the mlxreg-fan driver when enforcing the fan's current state from sysfs.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the mlxreg-fan driver allows an attacker to manipulate the fan's current state through sysfs, potentially leading to unauthorized control over the fan speed. By returning a non-zero value, the driver falsely indicates that the fan is operating as intended, even when it is being enforced from sysfs. This could result in inadequate cooling or excessive noise, impacting the system's performance and potentially causing hardware damage. The vulnerability was introduced in version v4.19 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.10.71.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a workaround, users can manually enforce the fan's current state through alternative means, such as vendor-specific tools or BIOS settings. However, this workaround may not be available or practical for all systems, and it is still recommended to apply the official fix by updating the Linux Kernel.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the Kernel package's hwmon mlxreg-fan driver allows for unauthorized control over the fan's current state, potentially leading to inadequate cooling and hardware damage. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.71 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Users can also check if their system is affected using the Vulert Playground. For further support, contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the fan's current state, potentially leading to inadequate cooling, excessive noise, and hardware damage.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file and the Vulert Playground will analyze it for any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.
No, this vulnerability requires local access to the system in order to manipulate the fan's current state through sysfs.
There are no known instances of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild.
For further support on vulnerability remediation and assistance with updating the Linux Kernel, you can contact info@devnack.com.
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