Vulnerability in Kernel: mt76: mt7915: fix NULL pointer dereference in mt7915_get_phy_mode
Summary
GSD-2021-1002494: mt76: mt7915: fix NULL pointer dereference in mt7915_get_phy_mode. Affects Kernel versions >= 37f4ca907c462d7c8a1ac9e7e3473681b5f893dd, < 932b338f4e5c4cb0c2ed640da3bced1e63620198. 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 crucial component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing system resources and facilitating communication between hardware and software. It provides essential functionalities for the proper functioning of the system. The mt76 module within the Kernel is responsible for supporting MediaTek MT76x0 and MT76x2 wireless LAN drivers. These drivers enable wireless network connectivity on devices that utilize MediaTek wireless chipsets. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the mt7915 driver, which can lead to a NULL pointer dereference in the mt7915_get_phy_mode function.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the mt7915 driver arises due to a NULL pointer dereference in the mt7915_get_phy_mode function. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. By sending specially crafted network packets, an attacker can trigger the NULL pointer dereference, leading to a system crash or potential code execution. The impact of this vulnerability can range from system instability to complete compromise of the affected device.
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 wireless LAN driver (mt7915) if it is not required for their system. This can be achieved by blacklisting the driver module or removing it from the Kernel configuration. However, this workaround may result in the loss of wireless network connectivity on devices that rely on the mt7915 driver.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the mt7915 driver of the Kernel can lead to a NULL pointer dereference, potentially resulting in a denial-of-service condition or arbitrary code execution. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.84 or later to address this vulnerability. Users can also consider disabling the mt7915 driver if it is not required, although this may result in the loss of wireless network connectivity. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The vulnerability can lead to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or potential execution of arbitrary code with kernel privileges. It can result in system instability or compromise of the affected device.
To fix this vulnerability, update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.84 or later, which includes the necessary patch to address the NULL pointer dereference issue.
Yes, users can disable the mt7915 wireless LAN driver if it is not required for their system. However, this may result in the loss of wireless network connectivity on devices that rely on this driver.
Yes, this vulnerability can be exploited remotely by sending specially crafted network packets to the affected device.
There are no known instances of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild at the time of this report. However, it is important to apply the necessary updates to mitigate the risk.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.