Memory Leak in NFC: st21nfca Package
Summary
GSD-2022-1000017: NFC: st21nfca: Fix memory leak in device probe and remove. Affects Kernel versions >= 68957303f44a501af5cf37913208a2acaa6bcdf1, < 38c3e320e7ff46f2dc67bc5045333e63d9f8918d. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The NFC: st21nfca package is a component of the Linux Kernel, which is responsible for handling Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality. NFC enables short-range wireless communication between devices, allowing for contactless data transfer and payment transactions. The st21nfca driver specifically supports the STMicroelectronics ST21NFCA NFC controller. This vulnerability affects the device probe and remove functions of the driver, leading to a memory leak.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the NFC: st21nfca package arises from a memory leak issue in the device probe and remove functions. When the driver is probed or removed, it fails to release allocated memory, resulting in a gradual depletion of available memory resources. This can lead to system instability, performance degradation, and potential denial-of-service (DoS) scenarios. The vulnerability was introduced in version v3.16 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v4.14.261.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a workaround, users can avoid the memory leak issue by not utilizing the NFC: st21nfca functionality or by disabling the driver altogether. However, this may result in the loss of NFC capabilities on the affected system. It is recommended to apply the official fix by updating the Linux Kernel to the latest version.
Conclusion
The memory leak vulnerability in the NFC: st21nfca package of the Linux Kernel can lead to system instability and performance degradation. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version v4.14.261 or later, which includes the fix for this issue. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
NFC stands for Near Field Communication. It is a technology that enables short-range wireless communication between devices, allowing for contactless data transfer and payment transactions.
The st21nfca driver is a component of the Linux Kernel that supports the STMicroelectronics ST21NFCA NFC controller. It enables the functionality of the NFC: st21nfca package.
A memory leak occurs when a program or driver fails to release allocated memory after it is no longer needed. This can lead to a gradual depletion of available memory resources, potentially causing system instability and performance issues.
The memory leak vulnerability in the NFC: st21nfca driver can result in system instability, performance degradation, and potential denial-of-service (DoS) scenarios. It is important to update the Linux Kernel to the fixed version to mitigate these risks.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.14.261 or later. This update includes the necessary fix for the memory leak issue in the NFC: st21nfca driver.
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