Race Condition Vulnerability in configfs
Summary
GSD-2022-1000931: configfs: fix a race in configfs_{,un}register_subsystem(). Affects Kernel versions >= 7063fbf2261194f72ee75afca67b3b38b554b5fa, < d1654de19d42f513b6cfe955cc77e7f427e05a77. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux Kernel is an open-source monolithic Unix-like computer operating system kernel. It provides the essential services to enable the execution of programs on the hardware. The configfs subsystem in the Linux Kernel allows userspace to create a tree of configuration items. These items can be used to expose configuration interfaces to userspace applications. However, a race condition vulnerability exists in the configfs subsystem, specifically in the configfs_{,un}register_subsystem() functions.
Vulnerability Detail
The race condition vulnerability in the configfs_{,un}register_subsystem() functions can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) or potentially gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability arises due to a race condition that occurs when multiple threads attempt to register or unregister a subsystem in configfs simultaneously. This race condition can lead to inconsistent internal data structures, resulting in various issues such as use-after-free or double-free vulnerabilities. An attacker could potentially exploit these issues to crash the system or execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a workaround, users can disable the configfs subsystem if it is not required for their system. This can be done by blacklisting the 'configfs' module. However, this workaround should only be considered if disabling the configfs subsystem does not impact the functionality of the system or any dependent applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the race condition vulnerability in the configfs subsystem of the Linux Kernel can lead to denial of service (DoS) attacks or potential privilege escalation. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.14.269 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. If the configfs subsystem is not required, users can consider disabling it as a workaround. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Configfs is a subsystem in the Linux Kernel that allows userspace to create a tree of configuration items. These items can be used to expose configuration interfaces to userspace applications.
A race condition vulnerability occurs when multiple threads or processes access shared resources concurrently, leading to unexpected and potentially harmful behavior. In the case of this vulnerability, the race condition arises when multiple threads attempt to register or unregister a subsystem in configfs simultaneously.
The potential impacts of this vulnerability include denial of service (DoS) attacks and the possibility of an attacker gaining elevated privileges. By exploiting the race condition, an attacker could crash the system or execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges.
You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities, using just a manifest file like package-lock.json.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the GSD-2022-1000931 JSON report available at https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2022/1000xxx/GSD-2022-1000931.json.
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