mac80211: Track Only QoS Data Frames for Admission Control
Summary
GSD-2021-1002735: mac80211: track only QoS data frames for admission control. Affects Kernel versions >= 02219b3abca59fca81711bfe7ee78df7abad97ce, < 42d08e97b196479f593499e887a9ab81446a34b9. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The mac80211 package is a subsystem in the Linux Kernel that provides the implementation of the IEEE 802.11 wireless networking stack. It handles the management and control of wireless network interfaces, including the handling of data frames, authentication, and encryption. The package is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of wireless communication between devices.
One of the features provided by mac80211 is admission control, which is used to regulate the access of devices to the wireless network. Admission control ensures that only authorized devices are allowed to connect and transmit data. This helps prevent network congestion and ensures fair access to network resources.
However, a vulnerability has been discovered in mac80211 that affects the admission control mechanism. The vulnerability allows non-QoS (Quality of Service) data frames to bypass the admission control process, potentially leading to unauthorized access and network congestion. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to gain unauthorized access to the network or disrupt its operation.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in mac80211 allows non-QoS data frames to bypass the admission control mechanism. This means that devices can connect to the wireless network and transmit data without undergoing the necessary authorization checks. As a result, unauthorized devices can gain access to the network, potentially compromising its security.
Additionally, the bypassing of admission control for non-QoS data frames can lead to network congestion. Non-QoS frames are not subject to the same prioritization as QoS frames, which can result in an imbalance of network resources and degraded performance.
The vulnerability was introduced in version v3.19 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.15.11. The fix ensures that only QoS data frames are tracked for admission control, preventing non-QoS frames from bypassing the process.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Conclusion
The vulnerability in mac80211 that allows non-QoS data frames to bypass admission control can have serious implications for network security and performance. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to the fixed version v5.15.11 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Regularly updating the Kernel helps ensure the security and stability of your system.
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FAQ
mac80211 is a subsystem in the Linux Kernel that provides the implementation of the IEEE 802.11 wireless networking stack. It handles the management and control of wireless network interfaces, including the handling of data frames, authentication, and encryption.
Admission control is a feature provided by mac80211 that regulates the access of devices to a wireless network. It ensures that only authorized devices are allowed to connect and transmit data, preventing network congestion and ensuring fair access to network resources.
The vulnerability allows non-QoS data frames to bypass the admission control mechanism, enabling unauthorized devices to gain access to the network. This compromises network security and can lead to unauthorized data transmission and potential attacks.
The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to the network, compromising its security. Additionally, the bypassing of admission control for non-QoS data frames can result in network congestion, leading to degraded performance and resource imbalance.
To fix the vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.15.11 or later. This version includes the necessary fix to track only QoS data frames for admission control. Regularly updating the Kernel helps ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.
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