Vulnerability in Kernel: bpf, sockmap
Summary
GSD-2023-1002323: bpf, sockmap: Don't let sock_map_{close,destroy,unhash} call itself. Affects Kernel versions < 7499859881488da97589f3c79cc66fa75748ad49. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a critical component of the Linux operating system that provides core functionalities and interfaces with hardware devices. It acts as a bridge between software applications and the computer's hardware. The bpf (Berkeley Packet Filter) and sockmap are features within the Kernel that allow for efficient packet filtering and socket manipulation. These features are widely used in networking applications and provide essential functionality for network communication.
Vulnerability Detail
The bpf and sockmap features in the Kernel suffer from a vulnerability that allows sock_map_close, sock_map_destroy, and sock_map_unhash functions to call themselves recursively. This recursive calling can lead to a stack overflow, potentially resulting in a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or arbitrary code execution. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted packets to a vulnerable system, causing the Kernel to enter an infinite loop and exhaust system resources.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can disable the bpf and sockmap features if they are not essential for their system's functionality. This can be done by modifying the Kernel configuration or disabling relevant modules. However, it is strongly advised to apply the official fix by updating the Kernel as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the Kernel's bpf and sockmap features can lead to a denial-of-service condition or arbitrary code execution. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version v6.1.13 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Users can also use the Vulert Playground at https://vulert.com/scanner to check if their system is affected and obtain real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
This vulnerability can lead to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or arbitrary code execution. An attacker could exploit this issue to crash the system or execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your manifest file (e.g., package-lock.json) and Vulert will analyze it for potential vulnerabilities.
At the time of this report, there are no known public exploits targeting this specific vulnerability. However, it is important to apply the fix promptly to mitigate any potential risks.
While it is possible to temporarily disable the bpf and sockmap features as a workaround, it is strongly recommended to update the Kernel to the latest version. Disabling features may impact the functionality of certain applications or services that rely on these features.
You can refer to the Linux Kernel's official repository at https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/stable/linux.git/ for more details about the fix and the vulnerability. Additionally, the vulnerability details can be found in the Cloud Security Alliance's GSD database at https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database.
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