Vulnerability in Kernel: mac80211_hwsim - Uninitialized ieee80211_tx_info at hw_scan_work
Summary
GSD-2022-1000721: mac80211_hwsim: initialize ieee80211_tx_info at hw_scan_work. Affects Kernel versions < f3b4b52732bd62341f547fbc0e9c39a68cfbb25c. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a fundamental component of the Linux operating system that provides core functionalities and interfaces with hardware devices. It acts as a bridge between the software and the underlying hardware. The mac80211_hwsim module is a software-based wireless simulation driver that allows developers to test and experiment with wireless networking features without physical hardware. It emulates virtual wireless devices and provides a simulated environment for testing wireless functionality. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the mac80211_hwsim module that can lead to potential security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in mac80211_hwsim arises from the failure to initialize the ieee80211_tx_info structure at the hw_scan_work function. This can result in uninitialized memory being used, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential security vulnerabilities. An attacker may be able to exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause a denial-of-service condition. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet. It is important to note that this vulnerability has been fixed in the Linux Kernel version v5.16.13 by commit f3b4b52732bd62341f547fbc0e9c39a68cfbb25c.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As this vulnerability has been fixed in the latest version of the Linux Kernel, there is no specific workaround available. It is strongly advised to update to the fixed version to ensure the security and stability of the system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the mac80211_hwsim vulnerability in the Kernel can lead to security risks due to uninitialized memory usage. It is crucial to update to the fixed version of the Linux Kernel (v5.16.13 or later) to mitigate the vulnerability. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability can vary depending on the attacker's capabilities and the specific context in which it is exploited. However, potential consequences include arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, and denial-of-service attacks.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file, and Vulert will analyze it in real-time to identify any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.
Yes, a patch for this vulnerability has been released in the Linux Kernel version v5.16.13. It is recommended to update to this version or a later one to mitigate the risk.
The exact exploitability of this vulnerability in a remote context is yet to be determined. However, it is always advisable to apply security patches promptly to minimize the risk of remote exploitation.
There are no known instances of this vulnerability being actively exploited in the wild. However, it is crucial to stay proactive and apply the necessary security updates to protect against potential future attacks.
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