In the Linux kernel, a critical vulnerability has been identified and resolved related to an array overflow in the function hns_dsaf_ge_srst_by_port(). This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit a condition where the array access could exceed its bounds, particularly when the port value is 6 or 7, despite the function limiting the port value to less than 8.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as critical, with a CVSS score of 9.8. The high score indicates that the vulnerability can have significant consequences, including loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability for affected systems. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability over a network with low complexity and no required privileges or user interaction.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability. Failure to address this issue could lead to severe impacts on the overall security posture of the affected systems.
The vulnerability was published on May 24, 2024, and has since been resolved in several Linux kernel updates. It is crucial for organizations using affected versions to ensure they are updated to the latest patched version to eliminate exposure.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of this vulnerability states: "In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ethernet: hisilicon: hns: hns_dsaf_misc: fix a possible array overflow in hns_dsaf_ge_srst_by_port()..."
This vulnerability can be classified under CWE-129 (Improper Validation of Array Index). The attack vector is network-based, with an attack complexity classified as low. The required privileges are none, and no user interaction is needed for exploitation.
The impacts of this vulnerability are significant, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability, all rated as high.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the lack of adequate validation for the 'port' parameter in the function. The code was designed to return if the port value was greater than or equal to DSAF_GE_NUM, but it did not properly account for cases where the value could lead to an array overflow.
The exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources, leading to potential data breaches or denial of service. Furthermore, since the attack does not require user interaction, it increases the likelihood of exploitation in real-world scenarios.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes significant impacts on their operations and data security. The vulnerability's ability to affect multiple areas of system function highlights the urgency for organizations to address it promptly. Given the CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability represents a critical risk that could lead to severe consequences if exploited.
The potential blast radius for this vulnerability is extensive, affecting all systems running the vulnerable versions of the Linux kernel. Organizations should assess their exposure and take immediate action.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Affected versions include all versions of the Linux kernel prior to version 4.9.292, versions 4.10 to 4.14.257, 4.15 to 4.19.220, 4.20 to 5.4.164, 5.5 to 5.10.84, and 5.11 to 5.15.7. Organizations should upgrade to the latest patched version to avoid exposure.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement the following remediation steps:
1. Upgrade to the latest stable version of the Linux kernel that addresses this vulnerability.
2. After patching, conduct thorough testing to ensure that the update does not adversely affect system functionality.
3. Organizations may also consider implementing additional monitoring and network controls to detect any attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
For ongoing security assessments, organizations can utilize penetration testing services to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor for the following indicators to detect potential exploitation attempts:
1. Logs indicating unusual network traffic patterns targeting the Linux kernel.
2. Behavioral anomalies in system performance that may indicate exploitation.
3. Any unauthorized changes to system configurations or kernel modules.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its illustration of the necessity for robust input validation in critical system components like the Linux kernel. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, vulnerabilities of this nature highlight the importance of proactive security measures and regular updates.
Organizations should prioritize developing a comprehensive vulnerability management program to address and mitigate risks effectively.
In conclusion, the exploitation of vulnerabilities such as CVE-2021-47548 not only poses immediate risks but also reflects broader trends in system security. Continuous investment in security testing and awareness can help organizations stay ahead of potential threats and improve overall resilience.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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