Shift-out-of-bounds Vulnerability in sched/fair
Summary
UVI-2021-1000273: sched/fair: Fix shift-out-of-bounds in load_balance(). Affects Kernel versions >= 5a7f555904671c0737819fe4d19bd6143de3f6c0, < 805cea93e66ca7deaaf6ad3b67224ce47c104c2f. 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 managing system resources, scheduling processes, and facilitating communication between hardware and software components. The 'sched/fair' component within the kernel is responsible for load balancing and distributing tasks across CPU cores to optimize performance and resource utilization.
Vulnerability Detail
The 'sched/fair' component in the Linux Kernel is affected by a shift-out-of-bounds vulnerability in the 'load_balance()' function. This vulnerability was introduced in version v5.10 of the kernel and fixed in version v5.12.4. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service condition. The vulnerability arises due to a shift operation that exceeds the bounds of the target variable, leading to unexpected behavior and potential security implications.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can apply the patch manually to their existing kernel version. The patch can be obtained from the Linux Kernel repository and applied using standard patching techniques. However, it is strongly advised to update to the latest stable kernel version as soon as possible to ensure comprehensive vulnerability mitigation.
Conclusion
The shift-out-of-bounds vulnerability in the 'sched/fair' component of the Linux Kernel poses a potential security risk. It is crucial for users to update their kernel to version v5.12.4 or later to ensure comprehensive vulnerability mitigation. For further support and assistance in addressing this vulnerability, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
This vulnerability could potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service condition on a system running an affected version of the Linux Kernel.
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, and Vulert will analyze it in real-time to identify any open-source vulnerabilities, including this specific issue.
No, only versions starting from v5.10 up to v5.12.3 are affected. The vulnerability was fixed in version v5.12.4.
At the time of this report, there is no known public exploit for this vulnerability. However, it is crucial to apply the necessary updates or patches to mitigate the risk.
While updating the Linux Kernel to the latest version is the primary mitigation measure, it is also recommended to follow general security best practices, such as implementing strict access controls, using firewalls, and regularly monitoring system logs for any suspicious activity.
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