Vulnerability in Kernel: ice_ptp_release() Function
Summary
GSD-2021-1002204: ice: check whether PTP is initialized in ice_ptp_release(). Affects Kernel versions >= 4dd0d5c33c3ebf24a07cae6141648aeb7ba56072, < fd1b5beb177a8372cea2a0d014835491e4886f77. 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 Kernel is a critical component of the Linux operating system that provides core functionalities and acts as an interface between hardware and software. It manages system resources, facilitates communication between different software components, and ensures the overall stability and security of the system. The ice_ptp_release() function is a part of the Kernel's ice driver, which handles network connectivity for Intel Ethernet devices. It is responsible for releasing resources related to Precision Time Protocol (PTP) used for clock synchronization in networked systems.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified in the ice_ptp_release() function of the Kernel's ice driver allows for the potential misuse of uninitialized PTP resources. When the function is called without proper initialization of PTP, it may lead to unexpected behavior, system instability, or even security vulnerabilities. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to manipulate network time synchronization, disrupt network operations, or launch further attacks. The vulnerability was introduced in version v5.15 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.15 by commit fd1b5beb177a8372cea2a0d014835491e4886f77.
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 temporary workaround, users can avoid using the affected ice_ptp_release() function or disable PTP functionality if it is not required for their system. However, this may impact network time synchronization and other PTP-dependent operations. Here is an example of how to disable PTP functionality by modifying the Kernel configuration:
- Open the Kernel configuration file (e.g., /usr/src/linux/.config) in a text editor.
- Search for the following line: CONFIG_ICE_PTP=y
- Change it to:
CONFIG_ICE_PTP is not set
- Save the file and rebuild the Kernel with the modified configuration.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the ice_ptp_release() function of the Kernel's ice driver can have serious implications for system stability and security. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.15 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Disabling PTP functionality can serve as a temporary workaround, but it may impact network time synchronization. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The vulnerability in the ice_ptp_release() function of the Kernel's ice driver can potentially lead to system instability, unexpected behavior, and security vulnerabilities. It may allow attackers to manipulate network time synchronization, disrupt network operations, or launch further attacks.
You can use Vulert's playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities, using just a manifest file like package-lock.json.
Yes, the vulnerability has been fixed in version v5.15 of the Linux Kernel. It is recommended to update the Kernel to this version or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Yes, as a temporary workaround, you can disable PTP functionality if it is not required for your system. However, this may impact network time synchronization and other PTP-dependent operations.
You can refer to the official Linux Kernel repository (https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/stable/linux.git/) for more information about the fix. The vulnerability details are also available in the GSD-2021-1002204.json file of the GSD database (https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2021/1002xxx/GSD-2021-1002204.json).
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
