mac80211: Potential Double Free on Mesh Join
Summary
GSD-2022-1001633: mac80211: fix potential double free on mesh join. Affects Kernel versions >= 6a01afcf8468d3ca2bd8bbb27503f60dcf643b20, < 582d8c60c0c053684f7138875e8150d5749ffc17. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The mac80211 package is a subsystem in the Linux Kernel that provides the implementation of the IEEE 802.11 wireless networking stack. It is responsible for managing wireless network interfaces and handling various operations related to wireless communication. The package is widely used in Linux-based systems to enable Wi-Fi functionality.
However, a vulnerability has been discovered in mac80211 that could lead to a potential double free on mesh join. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or potentially execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system. The issue was introduced in version v5.8 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.16.18.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in mac80211 arises from a potential double free on mesh join. When a mesh join operation is performed, there is a possibility of freeing the same memory twice, leading to memory corruption and potential exploitation by an attacker. The exact impact and attack vectors have not been proven yet, but it is crucial to address this vulnerability to prevent any potential security breaches.
The vulnerability was introduced in version v5.8 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.16.18 by commit 582d8c60c0c053684f7138875e8150d5749ffc17.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround available for this vulnerability. The recommended approach is to apply the fix by updating the Linux Kernel to the patched version.
Conclusion
The mac80211 package in the Linux Kernel is vulnerable to a potential double free on mesh join, which can lead to memory corruption and potential exploitation. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.16.18 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
mac80211 is a subsystem in the Linux Kernel that provides the implementation of the IEEE 802.11 wireless networking stack. It is responsible for managing wireless network interfaces and handling various operations related to wireless communication.
The impact of this vulnerability can range from a denial-of-service (DoS) condition to potential execution of arbitrary code on a vulnerable system. However, the exact attack vectors and consequences have not been proven yet.
The vulnerability was introduced in version v5.8 of the Linux Kernel. All versions between v5.8 and v5.16.17 (inclusive) are affected. The issue has been fixed in version v5.16.18.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.16.18 or later. This update includes the necessary patch to address the potential double free issue on mesh join in mac80211.
There is no specific workaround available for this vulnerability. The recommended approach is to apply the fix by updating the Linux Kernel to the patched version.
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