CVE-2014-9940

What it actually does

The regulator_ena_gpio_free function in the Linux kernel contains a use-after-free flaw that permits local attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges or trigger a denial of service through a crafted application.

Why it matters to the business

Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized system control or operational disruption on affected Linux-based deployments; the listed packages require upgrade to 0.2.0-r1 to eliminate exposure.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker crafts a local application that manipulates the regulator subsystem to free kernel memory and subsequently dereference the dangling pointer, achieving privilege escalation or system instability.

How to fix it

Upgrade octo-sts (Chainguard), octo-sts (Wolfi), octo-sts-webhook (Chainguard), and octo-sts-webhook (Wolfi) to version 0.2.0-r1 or later; apply kernel patches that correct the use-after-free in drivers/regulator/core.c.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm installed package versions meet or exceed the fixed releases; review kernel source for the corrected regulator_ena_gpio_free implementation and perform regression testing on regulator operations.

Typical attack path

1. Develop a crafted local application targeting the regulator subsystem
2. Execute the application on a vulnerable kernel
3. Trigger the use-after-free condition via regulator_ena_gpio_free
4. Leverage the freed memory for code execution or denial of service

How to detect it

Inspect kernel logs for regulator subsystem errors or crashes around the time of suspected activity; look for unexpected process privilege escalations or use-after-free related panics.

What your security team should do

• Apply the specified package updates without delay
• Restrict local application execution privileges where feasible
• Monitor kernel logs and privilege change events for anomalies