net: netlink: af_netlink: Prevent empty skb by adding a check on len
Summary
GSD-2021-1002621: net: netlink: af_netlink: Prevent empty skb by adding a check on len. Affects Kernel versions < 40cf2e058832d9cfaae98dfd77334926275598b6. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux Kernel is an open-source monolithic Unix-like computer operating system kernel. It provides the essential services to enable the execution of programs and manages system resources. The netlink subsystem is a kernel interface used for communication between the kernel and user-space processes. The af_netlink module is responsible for handling netlink sockets. These sockets allow processes to send and receive messages to and from the kernel. The vulnerability in the af_netlink module allows for the creation of an empty skb (socket buffer) without proper checks on the length parameter. This vulnerability could potentially lead to various security issues, including denial-of-service attacks or memory corruption.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the af_netlink module arises from the lack of a check on the length parameter when creating an skb. This can result in the creation of an empty skb, which can be exploited by an attacker to trigger a null pointer dereference or other memory corruption issues. By sending specially crafted netlink messages, an attacker could potentially crash the system or execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet.
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 recommended to apply the fix by updating the Linux Kernel to the patched version.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the af_netlink module of the Linux Kernel can result in the creation of an empty skb without proper checks on the length parameter. This vulnerability could potentially lead to denial-of-service attacks, memory corruption, or arbitrary code execution. It is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.9.294 or later to fix this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The Linux Kernel is an open-source monolithic Unix-like computer operating system kernel that provides essential services and manages system resources.
The netlink subsystem is a kernel interface used for communication between the kernel and user-space processes.
af_netlink is a module in the Linux Kernel responsible for handling netlink sockets, which allow processes to send and receive messages to and from the kernel.
This vulnerability could lead to denial-of-service attacks, memory corruption, or arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges.
No, the impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet.
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