Use-after-free vulnerability in watchdog package
Summary
UVI-2021-1001480: watchdog: Fix possible use-after-free in wdt_startup(). Affects Kernel versions < 63a3dc24bd053792f84cb4eef0168b1266202a02. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
Background
The watchdog package is a component of the Linux Kernel, which is responsible for monitoring the system and ensuring its stability. It includes a feature called wdt_startup() that initializes the watchdog timer. However, a use-after-free vulnerability has been discovered in this function, which could potentially lead to security breaches and system instability.
Vulnerability Detail
The use-after-free vulnerability in wdt_startup() occurs when the function attempts to access memory that has already been freed. This can result in unpredictable behavior, including crashes, data corruption, and the possibility of an attacker exploiting the vulnerability to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, applying the recommended fix by updating the Linux Kernel to the latest version should address the issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the watchdog package in the Linux Kernel is affected by a use-after-free vulnerability in the wdt_startup() function. This vulnerability can have severe consequences, including system instability and potential security breaches. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to the latest version to address this vulnerability. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The watchdog package is a component of the Linux Kernel that monitors the system and ensures its stability.
wdt_startup() is a function within the watchdog package that initializes the watchdog timer.
A use-after-free vulnerability occurs when a program attempts to access memory that has already been freed, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential security risks.
The use-after-free vulnerability in wdt_startup() could result in system crashes, data corruption, and potential exploitation by attackers to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.4.276 or later, which includes the necessary patch to mitigate the use-after-free vulnerability.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
