Data Race Vulnerability in af_packet Package
Summary
GSD-2022-1000108: af_packet: fix data-race in packet_setsockopt / packet_setsockopt. Affects Kernel versions >= 47dceb8ecdc1c3ad1818dfea3d659a05b74c3fc2, < 899e0319b3f58d85ac9a2f1d2895a71a275e2f4e. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The af_packet package is a part of the Linux Kernel ecosystem. It provides a socket interface for packet capture and injection. This package is responsible for handling network packets at a low level, allowing applications to interact with network interfaces directly. The vulnerability in the af_packet package affects the setsockopt and packet_setsockopt functions, leading to a data race condition. A data race occurs when multiple threads access shared data concurrently without proper synchronization, potentially resulting in unexpected behavior or crashes.
Vulnerability Detail
The data race vulnerability in the af_packet package arises from a lack of proper synchronization in the packet_setsockopt and setsockopt functions. This vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate shared data structures, leading to potential crashes, memory corruption, or privilege escalation. The vulnerability was introduced in version v4.3 of the Linux Kernel and was fixed in version v4.14.265. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a workaround, developers can consider implementing their own synchronization mechanisms when using the affected functions in the af_packet package. This can involve using locks or other synchronization primitives to ensure that concurrent access to shared data is properly coordinated. However, applying the official fix by updating the Linux Kernel is strongly recommended.
Conclusion
The data race vulnerability in the af_packet package can have serious consequences if exploited. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.14.265 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The af_packet package is a part of the Linux Kernel ecosystem and provides a socket interface for packet capture and injection.
A data race vulnerability occurs when multiple threads access shared data concurrently without proper synchronization, potentially leading to unexpected behavior or crashes.
The data race vulnerability in the af_packet package can result in crashes, memory corruption, or privilege escalation if exploited by malicious actors.
The vulnerability was introduced in version v4.3 of the Linux Kernel and was fixed in version v4.14.265.
Developers can implement their own synchronization mechanisms when using the affected functions in the af_packet package, but updating the Linux Kernel is strongly recommended.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
