Vulnerability in mxser package: xmit_buf leak in activate when LSR == 0xff
Summary
GSD-2022-1002496: mxser: fix xmit_buf leak in activate when LSR == 0xff. Affects Kernel versions >= 6769140d304731f0a3b177470a2adb4bacd9036b, < 376922045009f8ea2d20a8fa3475e95b47c41690. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The mxser package is a part of the Linux Kernel ecosystem. It provides support for the MOXA Smartio/Industio family of multiport serial boards. These boards are commonly used in industrial applications to enable communication with multiple serial devices. The mxser package handles the activation and transmission of data through these serial boards.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the mxser package occurs when the Line Status Register (LSR) is set to 0xff during the activation process. This leads to a memory leak in the xmit_buf, which can result in resource exhaustion and potential denial-of-service attacks. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by repeatedly activating the mxser device with a malicious LSR value, causing the system to run out of memory and become unresponsive.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to apply the fix by updating the Linux Kernel to the recommended version.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the mxser package can lead to resource exhaustion and potential denial-of-service attacks. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.9.311 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability can lead to resource exhaustion and potential denial-of-service attacks. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause the system to become unresponsive.
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 in real-time to identify any open-source vulnerabilities, including this mxser vulnerability.
There is no known exploit for this vulnerability at the moment. However, it is crucial to apply the fix to prevent any potential exploitation.
The recommended approach is to update the Linux Kernel to the latest version, as it includes the necessary fix for this vulnerability. Manually patching the mxser package may not be sufficient to address the underlying issue.
The primary solution is to update the Linux Kernel to the recommended version. Alternative solutions may not provide the necessary fix for this specific vulnerability.
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