Memory Leak in NFC: st21nfca Package
Summary
GSD-2022-1000029: NFC: st21nfca: Fix memory leak in device probe and remove. Affects Kernel versions >= 68957303f44a501af5cf37913208a2acaa6bcdf1, < 1cd4063dbc91cf7965d73a6a3855e2028cd4613b. 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 allows devices to communicate wirelessly over short distances, enabling various applications such as contactless payments and data transfer. The st21nfca driver specifically supports STMicroelectronics' ST21NFCA NFC controller. This vulnerability in the package leads to a memory leak issue during device probe and removal processes.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the NFC: st21nfca package results in a memory leak during device probe and removal operations. When the driver is initialized or removed, it fails to release allocated memory, leading to a gradual depletion of system resources. This can eventually cause system instability, performance degradation, and potential denial-of-service conditions. The vulnerability was introduced in version v3.16 of the Linux Kernel and is fixed in version v5.4.170 by commit 1cd4063dbc91cf7965d73a6a3855e2028cd4613b.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can unload and reload the st21nfca module manually to release the allocated memory. This can be achieved using the following commands:
$ sudo modprobe -r st21nfca $ sudo modprobe st21nfca
However, this workaround only provides a temporary solution and does not address the root cause of the vulnerability. It is strongly recommended to apply the official fix by updating the Linux Kernel.
Conclusion
The memory leak vulnerability in the NFC: st21nfca package can have severe consequences on system stability and performance. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.4.170 or later to mitigate this issue. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability can lead to a memory leak, causing system instability, performance degradation, and potential denial-of-service conditions.
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 playground will provide real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, a temporary workaround is to unload and reload the st21nfca module manually. However, it is recommended to apply the official fix by updating the Linux Kernel.
The vulnerability was introduced in version v3.16 of the Linux Kernel and is fixed in version v5.4.170 or later.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the Open Source Vulnerability Database (OSVDB) entry GSD-2022-1000029 at https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2022/1000xxx/GSD-2022-1000029.json
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