Memory Leak Vulnerability in Linux Kernel: ax25_dev Reference Count Issue
Summary
CVE-2024-38602: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ax25: Fix reference count leak issues of ax25_dev The ax25_addr_ax25dev() and ax25_dev_device_down() exist a reference count leak issue of the object "a... 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 and software interaction. It is known for its robustness and flexibility, supporting a wide range of devices and architectures. However, vulnerabilities can arise, such as the recent memory leak issue related to the ax25_dev structure, which can lead to resource exhaustion and degraded system performance.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-38602 involves a reference count leak in the ax25_dev structure within the Linux kernel. Specifically, the functions ax25_addr_ax25dev() and ax25_dev_device_down() fail to manage the reference count correctly, leading to memory leaks. In ax25_addr_ax25dev(), the reference count can be increased multiple times, while in ax25_dev_device_down(), the reference count is not decremented properly during device shutdown. This can result in memory not being released, potentially causing system instability and crashes over time.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the updates as soon as they are available.
Conclusion
The CVE-2024-38602 vulnerability in the Linux kernel poses a significant risk due to memory leaks caused by improper reference count management. It is crucial for users to update their systems to the latest versions to mitigate this risk and ensure system stability.
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FAQ
CVE-2024-38602 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that causes a memory leak due to improper reference count management in the ax25_dev structure.
This vulnerability can lead to memory leaks, which may cause your system to become unstable or crash over time due to resource exhaustion.
The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions prior to the fixed versions specified for Debian 12 and 13.
You can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By uploading your manifest file, you can check for vulnerabilities without needing to install any software.
The CVSS score for CVE-2024-38602 is 5.5, indicating a moderate severity level.
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