Use-after-free vulnerability in rtl8712_dl_fw in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2021-1002072: staging: rtl8712: fix use-after-free in rtl8712_dl_fw. Affects Kernel versions >= 8c213fa59199f9673d66970d6940fa093186642f, < c430094541a80575259a94ff879063ef01473506. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a fundamental component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing core system functions and providing an interface between hardware and software. The rtl8712_dl_fw module in the staging directory of the Kernel is used for downloading firmware to Realtek RTL8712U wireless devices. This module is susceptible to a use-after-free vulnerability.
Vulnerability Detail
The use-after-free vulnerability in rtl8712_dl_fw arises from improper handling of memory after it has been freed. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the freed memory to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service condition. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven. The vulnerability was introduced in version v3.3 of the Kernel and is fixed in version v5.10.79 by commit c430094541a80575259a94ff879063ef01473506.
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 use-after-free vulnerability in rtl8712_dl_fw module of the Kernel can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or denial-of-service. It is recommended to update the Kernel to version v5.10.79 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability is not yet proven. However, if successfully exploited, an attacker could execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service condition.
You can use Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file and Vulert will analyze it for any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.
Yes, a patch is available in version v5.10.79 of the Kernel. It is recommended to update to this version or later to fix the vulnerability.
Updating the Kernel is the recommended solution. However, if updating is not feasible, you can consider implementing additional security measures such as network segmentation, access controls, and intrusion detection systems to mitigate the risk.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the GSD-2021-1002072 JSON file available on the Cloud Security Alliance's GSD Database GitHub repository (https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database).
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