Use-after-free vulnerability in atm: nicstar
Summary
UVI-2021-1001431: atm: nicstar: Fix possible use-after-free in nicstar_cleanup(). Affects Kernel versions < c471569632654e57c83512e0fc1ba0dbb4544ad6. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The atm: nicstar package is a component of the Linux Kernel, which is responsible for handling Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network interfaces. The nicstar module specifically provides support for NICStAR-based ATM cards. These cards are used for high-speed networking and are commonly found in servers and networking equipment. The vulnerability in nicstar_cleanup() function can lead to a use-after-free condition, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service.
Vulnerability Detail
The use-after-free vulnerability in nicstar_cleanup() function arises due to improper handling of resources during the cleanup process. When certain conditions are met, such as a specific sequence of operations or a race condition, the function may free a resource and later attempt to access it. This can result in memory corruption or the execution of unintended code. An attacker who can trigger this vulnerability may be able to gain elevated privileges, execute arbitrary code, or cause the system to crash.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, users can mitigate the risk by ensuring that their systems are updated with the latest Linux Kernel version that includes the fix.
Conclusion
The use-after-free vulnerability in atm: nicstar can pose a significant risk to systems utilizing NICStAR-based ATM cards. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to the recommended version or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Regularly applying security updates and following best practices for system hardening can help protect against potential exploits. For further assistance or support in addressing this vulnerability, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The use-after-free vulnerability in atm: nicstar can potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service. This could lead to unauthorized access, privilege escalation, or system crashes.
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 for any known vulnerabilities, including this one.
At the time of this report, there are no known public exploits targeting this specific vulnerability. However, it is always recommended to apply security updates promptly to mitigate the risk.
Yes, this vulnerability can be exploited remotely if the affected system is exposed to the network. An attacker could potentially send specially crafted network packets to trigger the use-after-free condition and execute arbitrary code.
For more details about this vulnerability, including technical specifics and the fix commit, you can refer to the vulnerability database entry at https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2021/1001xxx/UVI-2021-1001431.json
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