Memory Leak Vulnerability in QEMU Package Leading to Denial of Service
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2016-7995: Memory leak in the ehci_process_itd function in hw/usb/hcd-ehci.c in QEMU (aka Quick Emulator) allows local guest OS administrators to cause a denial of service (memory consumption) via a large number of crafted buffer p... Affects qemu versions < 2.8.1-r1. Fixed in 2.8.1-r1. How to fix ↓
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Background
QEMU, also known as Quick Emulator, is an open-source machine emulator and virtualizer that enables users to run multiple operating systems on a single host. It is widely used for virtualization and testing purposes. The package is known for its flexibility and performance, but it is susceptible to vulnerabilities that can affect its stability and security. This specific vulnerability allows local guest OS administrators to exploit memory management issues, leading to potential service disruptions.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7995 is a memory leak in the ehci_process_itd function located in hw/usb/hcd-ehci.c within the QEMU package. This flaw allows local guest OS administrators to cause a denial of service by consuming excessive memory through a large number of crafted buffer page select (PG) indexes. The issue arises from improper handling of memory allocation, which can lead to significant memory consumption and ultimately crash the service. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.0, indicating a moderate level of risk.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.8.1-r1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade qemuTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can limit the number of guest OS administrators or restrict access to the QEMU service to trusted users only. This can help minimize the risk of exploitation until the package is updated.
Conclusion
The memory leak vulnerability in the QEMU package poses a significant risk to systems running affected versions. By updating to the patched version, users can protect their systems from potential denial of service attacks. It is crucial to remain vigilant and monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert to ensure ongoing security.
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FAQ
CVE-2016-7995 is a vulnerability in the QEMU package that causes a memory leak, potentially leading to a denial of service.
If exploited, this vulnerability can lead to excessive memory consumption, causing the QEMU service to crash and disrupt operations.
The vulnerability affects multiple versions of QEMU across Alpine Linux versions 3.6 to 3.10, specifically before version 2.8.1-r1.
You can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing your manifest file. Visit Vulert Scanner to check for vulnerabilities without requiring any signup.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider implementing access restrictions to the QEMU service to reduce the risk of exploitation.
References
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