net: systemport: Add global locking for descriptor lifecycle
Summary
GSD-2021-1002637: net: systemport: Add global locking for descriptor lifecycle. Affects Kernel versions >= 80105befdb4b8cea924711b40b2462b87df65b62, < f3fde37d3f0d429f0fcce214cb52588a9e21260e. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux Kernel is a widely used open-source operating system kernel that serves as the foundation for various Linux distributions. It provides essential functionality for managing system resources and facilitating communication between hardware and software components. The 'net' subsystem within the Linux Kernel is responsible for handling network-related operations.
In the 'net' subsystem, the 'systemport' component manages the lifecycle of descriptors, which are data structures used for network packet processing. These descriptors play a crucial role in network communication and require proper synchronization to ensure their correct handling.
However, prior to the fix introduced in Linux Kernel version v4.14.259, the 'systemport' component lacked global locking for descriptor lifecycle management. This absence of proper synchronization could lead to potential security vulnerabilities.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified in the 'net: systemport' component of the Linux Kernel arises from the lack of global locking for descriptor lifecycle management. Without proper synchronization, concurrent access to descriptors can result in race conditions and other synchronization-related issues.
Attackers may exploit these vulnerabilities to manipulate or corrupt descriptor data, leading to various security risks such as information disclosure, privilege escalation, or denial-of-service attacks. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven, but it is crucial to address it to ensure the integrity and security of network operations.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Conclusion
The 'net: systemport: Add global locking for descriptor lifecycle' vulnerability in the Linux Kernel's 'net' subsystem poses potential security risks due to the absence of proper synchronization for descriptor lifecycle management. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.14.259 or later to mitigate these risks. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability can vary depending on the specific exploitation scenario. However, potential consequences include information disclosure, privilege escalation, or denial-of-service attacks.
You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities, using just a manifest file like package-lock.json.
No specific workaround has been mentioned for this vulnerability. It is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to the fixed version to address the issue.
The vulnerability was introduced in Linux Kernel version v3.16 by commit 80105befdb4b8cea924711b40b2462b87df65b62. It is fixed in version v4.14.259 by commit f3fde37d3f0d429f0fcce214cb52588a9e21260e. Therefore, versions between v3.16 and v4.14.259 (inclusive) are affected.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the GSD-2021-1002637 entry of the GSD Database maintained by the Cloud Security Alliance. The source link is available at https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2021/1002xxx/GSD-2021-1002637.json.
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