NPD bug in sl_tx_timeout() in Linux Kernel

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

24/04/2022

Disclosed on

N/A

Severity

No i

Fix available

Unrated

Severity

Not published

CVSS Score

GSD-2022-1002160: drivers: net: slip: fix NPD bug in sl_tx_timeout(). Affects Kernel versions < d05cd68ed8460cb158cc62c41ffe39fe0ca16169. 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 hardware abstraction, process management, memory management, and device drivers. The slip driver in the kernel is responsible for handling Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) connections. SLIP is a simple protocol used for encapsulating IP packets over serial connections. The slip driver in the Linux Kernel is vulnerable to a Null Pointer Dereference (NPD) bug in the sl_tx_timeout() function.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability arises from a Null Pointer Dereference bug in the sl_tx_timeout() function of the slip driver in the Linux Kernel. This bug can be triggered when a timeout occurs during the transmission of SLIP packets. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted packets to a system with an active SLIP connection, leading to a kernel crash or potential privilege escalation. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet.

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.

Conclusion

The NPD bug in sl_tx_timeout() in the Linux Kernel's slip driver is a vulnerability that can potentially lead to a kernel crash or privilege escalation. It has been fixed in the Linux Kernel version v5.4.190. Users are advised to update their Linux Kernel to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

What is the impact of this vulnerability?

The impact of this vulnerability can range from a kernel crash to potential privilege escalation, depending on the attacker's capabilities.

How can I check if my system is affected by this vulnerability?

You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file and the Vulert Playground will analyze it for open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.