USB Gadget RNDIS Vulnerability in Linux Kernel
Summary
GSD-2022-1000928: usb: gadget: rndis: add spinlock for rndis response list. Affects Kernel versions >= f6281af9d62e128aa6efad29cf7265062af114f2, < 669c2b178956718407af5631ccbc61c24413f038. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux Kernel is a widely used open-source operating system kernel that serves as the foundation for various Linux distributions. It provides essential functionality for hardware abstraction, process management, and device drivers. One of the features of the Linux Kernel is the USB gadget subsystem, which allows the kernel to act as a USB device. The RNDIS (Remote Network Driver Interface Specification) is a protocol used for emulating Ethernet devices over USB. This vulnerability specifically affects the RNDIS gadget driver in the Linux Kernel.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the RNDIS gadget driver arises from a missing spinlock for the RNDIS response list. This can lead to a race condition where multiple threads can access the response list simultaneously, potentially resulting in memory corruption or other security issues. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause a denial-of-service condition. The vulnerability was introduced in version v4.6 of the Linux Kernel and is fixed in version v4.14.269.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a workaround, users can disable the RNDIS gadget driver if it is not required for their system. This can be done by modifying the kernel configuration and rebuilding the kernel without the RNDIS gadget driver. However, this workaround may not be feasible for systems that rely on the RNDIS functionality.
Conclusion
The USB Gadget RNDIS vulnerability in the Linux Kernel can lead to memory corruption or other security issues. It is crucial to update the kernel to version v4.14.269 or later to mitigate the risk. Users can also use the Vulert Playground to check if their system is affected by this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability can allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause a denial-of-service condition.
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 for vulnerabilities in real-time.
At the time of this report, there is no known public exploit for this vulnerability. However, it is important to apply the fix as soon as possible to mitigate the risk.
As a temporary measure, you can disable the RNDIS gadget driver if it is not required for your system. However, it is recommended to update the kernel as soon as possible to fully address the vulnerability.
Systems that have the RNDIS gadget driver enabled and actively use the RNDIS functionality are more vulnerable to this issue. It is recommended to prioritize the update for such systems.
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