Linux Kernel TCP Early Retransmission Data-Race Vulnerability

A data-race vulnerability has been identified in the Linux kernel's TCP implementation, specifically around the sysctl_tcp_early_retrans parameter. While this parameter is being read, it can be concurrently modified, leading to potential inconsistencies. The vulnerability has been addressed by adding a READ_ONCE() directive to the reader, ensuring a more reliable access pattern.

Impact

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to a race condition, where concurrent read and write operations on the sysctl_tcp_early_retrans parameter could cause unexpected behavior in TCP early retransmission handling.