Null-Pointer Dereference Vulnerability in audit_filter_rules

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

28/10/2021
N/A
No i
Unrated
Not published

GSD-2021-1001878: audit: fix possible null-pointer dereference in audit_filter_rules. Affects Kernel versions >= bf361231c295d92a28ca283ea713f56e93e55796, < 4e9e46a700201b4c85081fd478c99c692a9aaa0d. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The Kernel is a critical component of the Linux operating system that manages system resources and facilitates communication between hardware and software. It provides essential functionalities such as process management, memory management, and device drivers. The audit subsystem in the Kernel is responsible for monitoring and recording system events for security and compliance purposes. It allows administrators to define rules to filter and capture specific events. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the audit_filter_rules function, which could lead to a null-pointer dereference.

Vulnerability Detail

The null-pointer dereference vulnerability in the audit_filter_rules function can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial-of-service condition or potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This vulnerability occurs when the function fails to handle a null pointer properly, leading to a crash or undefined behavior. An attacker could craft a malicious audit rule that triggers this vulnerability, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of the system. 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.

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Workaround

No specific workaround has been provided for this vulnerability.

Conclusion

The null-pointer dereference vulnerability in the audit_filter_rules function of the Linux Kernel can potentially lead to a denial-of-service condition or arbitrary code execution. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version v5.14.15 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

This vulnerability could potentially lead to a denial-of-service condition or arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges.

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious audit rule that triggers the null-pointer dereference in the audit_filter_rules function.

No, the impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven.

This vulnerability was introduced in version v5.3 and is fixed in version v5.14.15 of the Linux Kernel.

You can find more information about this vulnerability in the Open Source Vulnerability Database (OSVDB) entry GSD-2021-1001878.

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How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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