Vulnerability in afs package: Fix corruption in reads at fpos 2G-4G from an OpenAFS server
Summary
GSD-2021-1001759: afs: Fix corruption in reads at fpos 2G-4G from an OpenAFS server. Affects Kernel versions >= b9b1f8d5930a813879278d0cbfc8c658d6a038dc, < e66fc460d6dcf85cf12288e133a081205aebcd97. 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 afs package is a component of the Linux Kernel, which is responsible for providing support for the Andrew File System (AFS). AFS is a distributed file system that enables users to access files and directories stored on remote servers. It is commonly used in academic and research environments. The afs package allows Linux systems to communicate with an OpenAFS server and perform various operations on AFS files.
The vulnerability in the afs package allows for corruption in reads at file positions 2G-4G when interacting with an OpenAFS server. This corruption can lead to data integrity issues and potentially allow an attacker to manipulate or access sensitive information. The vulnerability was introduced in version v2.6.22 of the Linux Kernel and has been present until version v5.14.9.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises due to a flaw in the afs package's handling of reads at file positions 2G-4G from an OpenAFS server. When reading data from this range, corruption can occur, leading to potential data integrity issues. Although the impact and attack plausibility have not been proven, the vulnerability poses a risk to the integrity and confidentiality of data stored on AFS servers.
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to have access to an OpenAFS server and perform malicious operations that trigger the corruption during reads at the specified file positions.
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 avoid reading files at file positions 2G-4G from an OpenAFS server until they have updated their Linux Kernel to a version that includes the fix. By avoiding reads in this range, users can mitigate the risk of data corruption. However, it is strongly recommended to apply the fix by updating the Kernel as soon as possible to ensure the long-term security and stability of the system.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the afs package of the Linux Kernel can result in corruption in reads at file positions 2G-4G from an OpenAFS server. This can lead to data integrity issues and potential unauthorized access to sensitive information. Users are advised to update their Linux Kernel to version v5.14.9 or later to fix the vulnerability. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid reading files in the affected range until the update is applied. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The afs package is a component of the Linux Kernel that provides support for the Andrew File System (AFS). AFS is a distributed file system used in academic and research environments.
An OpenAFS server is a server running the OpenAFS software, which allows clients to access files and directories stored on the server using the AFS protocol.
The vulnerability can lead to corruption in reads at file positions 2G-4G from an OpenAFS server, potentially causing data integrity issues and enabling unauthorized access to sensitive information.
To fix the vulnerability, users should update their Linux Kernel to version v5.14.9 or any subsequent version that includes the fix. This ensures that the afs package is patched and no longer susceptible to the corruption issue.
Yes, users can avoid reading files at file positions 2G-4G from an OpenAFS server until they have updated their Linux Kernel. This helps mitigate the risk of data corruption. However, it is recommended to apply the fix by updating the Kernel as soon as possible.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
