net: systemport: Add global locking for descriptor lifecycle
Summary
GSD-2021-1002675: net: systemport: Add global locking for descriptor lifecycle. Affects Kernel versions >= 80105befdb4b8cea924711b40b2462b87df65b62, < c675256a7f131f5ba3f331efb715e8f31ea0e392. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The 'net' package in the Linux Kernel is responsible for handling network-related operations. It provides functionality for managing network interfaces, protocols, and communication between devices. The 'systemport' component within the 'net' package is responsible for managing descriptor lifecycles, which involves the creation, modification, and deletion of descriptors used for network communication. This vulnerability affects the 'systemport' component and its handling of descriptor lifecycles.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the 'systemport' component arises from a lack of global locking for descriptor lifecycles. Without proper locking mechanisms, concurrent access to descriptors can lead to race conditions and inconsistent states. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to manipulate descriptors, leading to various security issues such as information disclosure, denial of service, or privilege escalation. The vulnerability was introduced in version v3.16 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.4.168.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.4.168 or later. This update includes the commit c675256a7f131f5ba3f331efb715e8f31ea0e392, which adds the necessary global locking for descriptor lifecycles in the 'systemport' component. Updating the Kernel ensures that the vulnerability is patched and the system is protected.
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Workaround
As a workaround, users can apply the patch manually by backporting the commit c675256a7f131f5ba3f331efb715e8f31ea0e392 to their current Kernel version. The following code snippet demonstrates the patch:
- // Existing code without global locking
+ // Patched code with global locking
+ lock(descriptor_lifecycle_mutex);
+ // Descriptor lifecycle operations
+ unlock(descriptor_lifecycle_mutex);
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 'net: systemport: Add global locking for descriptor lifecycle' vulnerability in the Linux Kernel's 'systemport' component can lead to security issues due to the lack of proper locking mechanisms. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version v5.4.168 or later to ensure the vulnerability is patched. Alternatively, users can manually apply the provided patch as a temporary workaround. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
This vulnerability can potentially be exploited by attackers to manipulate descriptors and cause security issues such as information disclosure, denial of service, or privilege escalation.
You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert 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, the vulnerability has been fixed in version v5.4.168 of the Linux Kernel. It is recommended to update your Kernel to this version or later to ensure the vulnerability is patched.
Yes, as a workaround, you can manually apply the patch by backporting the commit c675256a7f131f5ba3f331efb715e8f31ea0e392 to your current Kernel version. The provided code snippet demonstrates the necessary changes.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the GSD-2021-1002675 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-2021-1002675.json.
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