Vulnerability in Kernel: serial: core: fix transmit-buffer reset and memleak
Summary
GSD-2021-1002378: serial: core: fix transmit-buffer reset and memleak. Affects Kernel versions >= 761ed4a94582ab291aa24dcbea4e01e8936488c8, < 011f6c92b5bf6e1fbfdedc8b5232f64c1c493206. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a fundamental component of the Linux operating system that provides essential services and interfaces between hardware and software. It is responsible for managing system resources, facilitating communication between different software components, and ensuring the overall stability and security of the system. The serial core within the Kernel handles serial communication, allowing devices to transmit and receive data through serial ports. This vulnerability specifically affects the transmit-buffer reset and memory leak functionality of the serial core.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the serial core of the Kernel arises from a flaw in the transmit-buffer reset mechanism and a memory leak issue. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability to manipulate or corrupt data being transmitted through serial ports, potentially leading to unauthorized access, information disclosure, or system instability. The vulnerability was introduced in version v4.9 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v4.9.292.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.9.292 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 containing the fixed version of the Kernel.
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the Kernel's serial core, related to the transmit-buffer reset and memleak, can potentially allow attackers to manipulate or corrupt data transmitted through serial ports. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.9.292 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability can potentially allow attackers to manipulate or corrupt data transmitted through serial ports, leading to unauthorized access, information disclosure, or system instability.
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 analyze it in real-time.
At the time of this report, there is no known exploit for this vulnerability. However, it is important to apply the fix as soon as possible to mitigate any potential risks.
It is recommended to update the entire Kernel to the fixed version. Manually patching the vulnerability may introduce other issues or dependencies that could compromise the stability and security of the system.
The primary solution to mitigate this vulnerability is to update the Linux Kernel to the fixed version. Using alternative serial communication methods or disabling serial ports may also reduce the attack surface, but these measures may not completely eliminate the risk.
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