CVE-2021-28972 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This article provides insights into CVE-2021-28972, a vulnerability found in the Linux kernel up to version 5.11.8 that could lead to a buffer overflow in the RPA PCI Hotplug driver.

Understanding CVE-2021-28972

This section delves into the details of the vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-28972?

CVE-2021-28972 is a user-tolerable buffer overflow vulnerability located in the RPA PCI Hotplug driver in the Linux kernel. It arises when writing a new device name to the driver from userspace, enabling direct data writing to the kernel stack frame due to mishandling of 'drc_name' termination.

The Impact of CVE-2021-28972

The vulnerability allows userspace to exploit a buffer overflow when writing data to the kernel stack frame directly, potentially leading to a privilege escalation or denial of service.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-28972

This section elaborates on the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the RPA PCI Hotplug driver of the Linux kernel permits a user-tolerable buffer overflow through user-initiated input, leading to potential security breaches.

Affected Systems and Versions

This vulnerability affects the Linux kernel up to version 5.11.8, with the RPA PCI Hotplug driver being the specific component susceptible to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises due to the mishandling of 'drc_name' termination in the add_slot_store and remove_slot_store functions, allowing userspace to manipulate data and potentially execute arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps to mitigate the impact of CVE-2021-28972 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate measures include applying patches, updates, or workarounds provided by the Linux kernel maintainers to address the buffer overflow vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should maintain up-to-date systems, implement secure coding practices, and conduct regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for official patches and updates released by Linux kernel maintainers to address CVE-2021-28972 and enhance system security.