Vulnerability in Kernel package: proc/vmcore: fix clearing user buffer by properly using clear_user()

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

19/12/2021

Disclosed on

N/A

Severity

No i

Fix available

Unrated

Severity

Not published

CVSS Score

GSD-2021-1002355: proc/vmcore: fix clearing user buffer by properly using clear_user(). Affects Kernel versions >= 997c136f518c5debd63847e78e2a8694f56dcf90, < a9e164bd160be8cbee1df70acb379129e3cd2e7c. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The Kernel package is a crucial component of the Linux operating system that provides the core functionality and interfaces for various system operations. It manages the system's resources, including memory, processes, and hardware devices. The proc/vmcore module within the Kernel package is responsible for handling the system's core dump files, which contain the memory image of the system at the time of a crash or kernel panic. These core dump files are essential for debugging and analyzing system failures.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability identified in the proc/vmcore module involves the improper clearing of a user buffer. This vulnerability was introduced in version v3.0 of the Linux Kernel by commit 997c136f518c5debd63847e78e2a8694f56dcf90 and affects all subsequent versions until v4.4.294, where it was fixed by commit a9e164bd160be8cbee1df70acb379129e3cd2e7c. The vulnerability could potentially be exploited by an attacker to access sensitive information contained in the user buffer, leading to a breach of confidentiality. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel package to version v4.4.294 or later. This can be done by obtaining the latest version of the Kernel source code from the official repository (https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/stable/linux.git/) and compiling it according to the provided instructions. Alternatively, users can wait for their Linux distribution to release an updated package that includes the fix.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the Kernel package's proc/vmcore module contains a vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to sensitive information. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to update the Linux Kernel package to version v4.4.294 or later. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

What is the impact of this vulnerability?

The impact of this vulnerability is the potential exposure of sensitive information contained in the user buffer, which could lead to a breach of confidentiality.

How can I check if my system is affected by this vulnerability?

You can use Vulert's 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 provide real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.