NULL pointer dereference in qlcnic_83xx_add_rings() in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2021-1002448: net: qlogic: qlcnic: Fix a NULL pointer dereference in qlcnic_83xx_add_rings(). Affects Kernel versions >= 7f9664525f9cb507de9198a395a111371413f230, < bbeb0325a7460ebf1e03f5e0bfc5c652fba9519f. 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 interfaces with hardware devices. It manages system resources, facilitates communication between software and hardware, and ensures the stability and security of the system. The qlcnic_83xx_add_rings() function in the qlogic driver module of the Kernel is responsible for adding rings for the QLogic network interface card (NIC).
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as GSD-2021-1002448 is a NULL pointer dereference issue in the qlcnic_83xx_add_rings() function of the qlogic driver module in the Kernel. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or potentially execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability occurs when the function fails to handle a NULL pointer, leading to a crash or system instability. It was introduced in version v3.9 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.4.164.
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 workaround, users can disable the affected qlogic driver module by blacklisting it. This can be achieved by adding the module name to the blacklist configuration file (/etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf) or by creating a new configuration file specific to the module. Here is an example of how to blacklist the qlcnic module:
Create a new file /etc/modprobe.d/qlcnic.conf with the following content:
blacklist qlcnic
Save the file and reboot the system for the changes to take effect.
Conclusion
The NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the qlcnic_83xx_add_rings() function of the qlogic driver module in the Kernel can lead to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or potential execution of arbitrary code. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.4.164 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Alternatively, users can apply the provided workaround by blacklisting the affected qlogic driver module. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
This vulnerability can lead to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or potential execution of arbitrary code. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to crash the system or gain unauthorized access.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file and the Vulert Playground will analyze it for any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.
Yes, a patch has been released in version v5.4.164 of the Linux Kernel. It is recommended to update your Kernel to this version or later to fix the vulnerability.
Yes, you can disable the affected qlogic driver module by blacklisting it. Please refer to the 'workaround' section for detailed instructions on how to implement this workaround.
You can find more information about this vulnerability, including the source and references, in the GSD-2021-1002448 JSON file available on the GitHub repository of the Cloud Security Alliance's GSD Database (https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2021/1002xxx/GSD-2021-1002448.json).
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
