Information Leak and Crash Vulnerability in linuxptp Package
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2021-3571: A flaw was found in the ptp4l program of the linuxptp package. Affects linuxptp versions < 3.1-2.1. Fixed in 3.1-2.1. How to fix ↓
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Background
The linuxptp package provides Precision Time Protocol (PTP) implementations for Linux, enabling high-precision time synchronization across networked devices. It is widely used in environments requiring accurate timekeeping, such as telecommunications and financial services. The package includes the ptp4l program, which operates as a PTP transparent clock. This package is critical for maintaining synchronized operations in distributed systems, but it has been found to have a security vulnerability that could be exploited by remote attackers.
Vulnerability Detail
A flaw was identified in the ptp4l program of the linuxptp package. When operating on little-endian architectures as a PTP transparent clock, the program is susceptible to crafted one-step sync messages sent by remote attackers. This could lead to an information leak or cause the system to crash. The vulnerability primarily affects data confidentiality and system availability, posing a significant risk to environments relying on precise time synchronization. The flaw impacts linuxptp versions prior to 3.1.1 and 2.0.1, with a CVSS score of 7.1 indicating a high severity level.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
3.1-2.1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linuxptpTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, consider disabling the ptp4l service or restricting access to the network interfaces used by the linuxptp package to mitigate the risk of exploitation until the package can be updated.
Conclusion
The linuxptp package has a significant vulnerability that could be exploited by remote attackers, leading to information leaks or system crashes. It is crucial for users to update to the patched version 3.1-2.1 or later to mitigate these risks. Temporary workarounds are available, but updating the package is the recommended solution.
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FAQ
linuxptp is a package that implements the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) for Linux, allowing for high-precision time synchronization across networked devices.
The vulnerability allows remote attackers to send crafted messages that could lead to information leaks or crashes in systems using the ptp4l program.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider disabling the ptp4l service or restricting access to the relevant network interfaces as a temporary measure.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 7.1, indicating a high severity level.
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