Use After Free Vulnerability in rtl8192e Driver in Linux Kernel

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

19/12/2021
N/A
No i
Unrated
Not published

GSD-2021-1002369: staging: rtl8192e: Fix use after free in _rtl92e_pci_disconnect(). Affects Kernel versions >= 66898177e7e5486dc77a4ba742efa4e2e9e900a4, < 9186680382934b0e7529d3d70dcc0a21d087683b. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The rtl8192e driver is part of the Linux Kernel and is responsible for managing the Realtek RTL8192E wireless network adapter. This driver provides functionality for connecting to and communicating over Wi-Fi networks using the RTL8192E chipset. The vulnerability described in this report affects the rtl8192e driver and can lead to a use after free condition.

Vulnerability Detail

The use after free vulnerability in the _rtl92e_pci_disconnect() function of the rtl8192e driver in the Linux Kernel allows an attacker to exploit a freed memory region. This can result in a variety of consequences, including crashes, privilege escalation, or the execution of arbitrary code. The vulnerability was introduced in version v3.2 of the Linux Kernel and was fixed in version v4.9.292 by commit 9186680382934b0e7529d3d70dcc0a21d087683b.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to update the Linux Kernel to the fixed version to mitigate the risk.

Conclusion

The use after free vulnerability in the rtl8192e driver in the Linux Kernel can have severe consequences, including crashes, privilege escalation, or the execution of arbitrary code. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to the fixed version to mitigate the risk. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

The use after free vulnerability in the rtl8192e driver can lead to crashes, privilege escalation, or the execution of arbitrary code. An attacker may be able to exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to a system or disrupt its normal operation.

You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert uses a manifest file like package-lock.json to monitor and alert in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in the software.

There are no known instances of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild. However, it is crucial to apply the fix as soon as possible to prevent potential attacks.

Yes, this vulnerability can be exploited remotely if the affected system is connected to a network. An attacker can send specially crafted packets to trigger the use after free condition and potentially execute arbitrary code.

For more details about this vulnerability, including the specific code changes that fix it, you can refer to the vulnerability report in the GSD database at https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2021/1002xxx/GSD-2021-1002369.json.

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How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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