net: netlink: af_netlink: Prevent empty skb by adding a check on len
Summary
GSD-2021-1002669: net: netlink: af_netlink: Prevent empty skb by adding a check on len. Affects Kernel versions < c0315e93552e0d840e9edc6abd71c7db82ec8f51. 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 core functionality for the Linux operating system. 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. This vulnerability affects the Linux Kernel package.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the af_netlink module allows for the creation of an empty skb (socket buffer) without proper checks on the length. This can lead to potential security vulnerabilities, although the actual impact and attack plausibility have not been proven. An attacker may be able to exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service condition.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the af_netlink module of the Linux Kernel can be mitigated by updating the package to version v5.4.167 or later. This update includes the necessary checks on skb length to prevent the creation of empty skbs. 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 the core functionality for the Linux operating system.
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.
An skb (socket buffer) is a data structure used for network packet handling in the Linux Kernel.
The potential consequences of this vulnerability include the execution of arbitrary code or a denial-of-service condition.
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