Memory Leak Vulnerability in Linux Kernel: xsk Buffer Management Issue
Summary
CVE-2021-47105: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ice: xsk: return xsk buffers back to pool when cleaning the ring Currently we only NULL the xdp_buff pointer in the internal SW ring but we never give i... Affects linux versions 5.10.103-1 – 6.9.9-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of many operating systems, providing essential services for hardware management and system resources. It is widely used in various distributions, including Debian. The kernel's networking stack, particularly the xsk (eXpress Socket) interface, is designed for high-performance packet processing. However, it is susceptible to vulnerabilities that can lead to resource leaks, impacting system performance and stability.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified in the xsk buffer management system. Specifically, when cleaning the internal software ring, the xdp_buff pointer is set to NULL, but the corresponding xsk buffers are not returned to the buffer pool. This oversight can lead to memory leaks, as the buffers remain allocated but are no longer usable, potentially exhausting available memory resources and degrading system performance.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds available for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the patch or upgrade to the fixed version of the Linux kernel as soon as it becomes available.
Conclusion
The CVE-2021-47105 vulnerability in the Linux kernel highlights a critical issue in xsk buffer management that can lead to memory leaks. It is essential for users to apply the necessary patches or upgrade to fixed versions to ensure system stability and performance. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor for such vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
CVE-2021-47105 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel related to the xsk buffer management, which can lead to memory leaks.
This vulnerability can cause memory leaks, potentially exhausting system memory and degrading performance.
The vulnerability affects Linux packages in Debian 11, 12, and 13, specifically versions prior to 5.15.15-1.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If an immediate upgrade is not possible, monitor your system for unusual memory usage and plan to apply the patch as soon as feasible.
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