Vulnerability in Kernel: tpm: fix reference counting for struct tpm_chip

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

24/04/2022
N/A
No i
Unrated
Not published

GSD-2022-1001326: tpm: fix reference counting for struct tpm_chip. Affects Kernel versions >= fdc915f7f71939ad5a3dda3389b8d2d7a7c5ee66, < 6e7baf84149fb43950631415de231b3a41915aa3. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The Kernel is a crucial component of the Linux operating system that provides core functionalities and acts as an interface between hardware and software. It manages system resources, facilitates communication between different software components, and ensures the security and stability of the system. The tpm_chip structure is a part of the Kernel's Trusted Platform Module (TPM) subsystem, which handles interactions with TPM hardware devices. The vulnerability in question relates to an issue with reference counting for the tpm_chip structure, which can lead to potential security vulnerabilities.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability arises from a flaw in the reference counting mechanism for the struct tpm_chip in the Kernel's TPM subsystem. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker to manipulate the reference count, potentially causing memory corruption or use-after-free vulnerabilities. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet, but it is essential to address it to ensure the security and integrity of the system. The vulnerability was introduced in Kernel version v4.12 and has been fixed in version v5.17.1.

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 advisable to update the Kernel to the latest version to eliminate the vulnerability.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in the Kernel's TPM subsystem related to the reference counting for struct tpm_chip can potentially lead to security vulnerabilities. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.17.1 or later to mitigate this vulnerability and ensure the security of the system. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

The Kernel is a critical component of the Linux operating system that manages system resources, facilitates communication between software components, and ensures the security and stability of the system.

The tpm_chip structure is a part of the Kernel's Trusted Platform Module (TPM) subsystem, responsible for handling interactions with TPM hardware devices.

Reference counting is a technique used in programming to track the number of references to a particular resource or object. It helps manage memory allocation and deallocation efficiently.

Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to memory corruption or use-after-free vulnerabilities, which can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code or gain unauthorized access to the system.

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.17.1 or later, as it includes the necessary patch to address the reference counting issue.

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How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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