Vulnerability in Kernel package: mm/filemap
Summary
GSD-2022-1000755: mm/filemap: Fix handling of THPs in generic_file_buffered_read(). Affects Kernel versions >= cbd59c48ae2bcadc4a7599c29cf32fd3f9b78251, < ace802caf3de0f31792fcf654e7df4a294aab950. 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
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
Background
The Kernel package is a crucial component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing system resources and providing an interface between hardware and software. The mm/filemap module within the Kernel package handles file mapping and caching operations. It allows efficient reading and writing of data from files stored on disk. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the handling of Transparent Huge Pages (THPs) within the generic_file_buffered_read() function of mm/filemap. THPs are large memory pages that can improve system performance. This vulnerability could potentially be exploited to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or escalate privileges.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in mm/filemap's generic_file_buffered_read() function was introduced in version v5.12 of the Linux Kernel and was fixed in version v5.16.12. The issue arises from improper handling of THPs, which can lead to memory corruption or other unexpected behavior. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to crash the system or gain elevated privileges. 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, users can disable Transparent Huge Pages (THPs) by modifying the kernel boot parameters. This can be achieved by adding the 'transparent_hugepage=never' parameter to the kernel command line. However, disabling THPs may impact system performance, so it is recommended to apply the official fix by updating the Kernel package.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a vulnerability has been identified in the mm/filemap module of the Kernel package, specifically in the generic_file_buffered_read() function. This vulnerability relates to the handling of Transparent Huge Pages (THPs) and could potentially result in a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or privilege escalation. It is recommended to update the Kernel package to version v5.16.12 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Disabling THPs through kernel boot parameters can serve as a temporary workaround, but it may impact system performance. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
This vulnerability could potentially lead to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or privilege escalation. An attacker may be able to crash the system or gain elevated privileges.
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 to the playground, and it will provide real-time monitoring and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, a workaround is available by disabling Transparent Huge Pages (THPs) through kernel boot parameters. However, this may impact system performance, so it is recommended to apply the official fix by updating the Kernel package.
To update the Kernel package, you can follow the official documentation provided by your Linux distribution. Typically, it involves using package management tools like 'apt' or 'yum' to install the latest available Kernel version.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the Open Source Vulnerability Database (OSVDB) entry with ID GSD-2022-1000755. The database entry provides additional details, including the source code commits that introduced and fixed the vulnerability.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
