Vulnerability in Kernel: proc/vmcore
Summary
GSD-2021-1002370: proc/vmcore: fix clearing user buffer by properly using clear_user(). Affects Kernel versions >= 997c136f518c5debd63847e78e2a8694f56dcf90, < 33a7d698f30fa0b99d50569e9909d3baa65d8f6a. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a crucial component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing system resources and facilitating communication between hardware and software. It provides essential functionalities such as process management, memory management, and device drivers. The vulnerability in the proc/vmcore module affects the Kernel's ability to clear user buffers properly, potentially leading to security breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from a flaw in the proc/vmcore module, specifically in the clearing of user buffers. By not utilizing the clear_user() function correctly, an attacker may be able to exploit this weakness to access and manipulate data stored in user buffers. The impact of this vulnerability could range from unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information to the execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges. It is important to note that the actual impact and attack plausibility have not been proven yet.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
To address this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.9.292 or later. The fix for this issue was implemented in commit 33a7d698f30fa0b99d50569e9909d3baa65d8f6a. Updating the Kernel to the latest stable version will ensure that the clear_user() function is used correctly, mitigating the vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can apply the following code snippet to manually clear user buffers:
#include <linux/uaccess.h>
void clear_user_buffer(void __user *buffer, size_t size) {
memset(buffer, 0, size);
}
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the Kernel's proc/vmcore module poses a potential security risk by not properly clearing user buffers. It is crucial to update the Kernel to the latest stable version to ensure the fix is applied and mitigate the vulnerability. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The Kernel is a fundamental component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing system resources and facilitating communication between hardware and software.
The proc/vmcore module is a part of the Kernel that provides access to the system's core dump, which contains a snapshot of the system's memory at the time of a crash or system failure.
The clear_user() function is a utility function provided by the Kernel that securely clears user buffers, ensuring that no sensitive information remains in memory.
The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in user buffers, potentially resulting in data breaches or the execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.9.292 or later, which includes the fix for this issue.
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