Memory Leak Vulnerability in Linux Kernel - CVE-2021-47654
Summary
CVE-2021-47654: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: samples/landlock: Fix path_list memory leak Clang static analysis reports this error sandboxer.c:134:8: warning: Potential leak of memory pointed to by... Affects linux versions < 5.17.3-1. Fixed in 5.17.3-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux kernel is a core component of the operating system that manages hardware and system resources. It is responsible for facilitating communication between software and hardware, ensuring efficient operation of the system. The kernel is modular, allowing for the addition of features and drivers. However, vulnerabilities can arise, such as CVE-2021-47654, which affects the memory management within the kernel's Landlock sample code.
Vulnerability Detail
CVE-2021-47654 is a memory leak vulnerability found in the Linux kernel's Landlock sample code. The issue originates from the 'path_list' variable, which is allocated memory in the 'parse_path()' function but is never freed. This oversight can lead to increased memory consumption over time, potentially exhausting system resources and causing performance degradation or crashes. The Clang static analysis tool flagged this issue, indicating a potential leak of memory that could be exploited if left unaddressed.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
5.17.3-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linux
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Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the patch as soon as it is available.
Conclusion
CVE-2021-47654 is a significant memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel that requires immediate attention. Users are advised to update their systems to the patched version to prevent potential performance issues. Monitoring tools like Vulert can assist in identifying vulnerabilities in your applications.
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FAQ
CVE-2021-47654 is a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Landlock sample code, which can lead to increased memory consumption.
If exploited, this vulnerability can exhaust system memory, leading to performance issues or crashes.
Yes, a patch is available in version 5.17.3-1 of the Linux package.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
While there are no specific workarounds, it is crucial to plan for an update as soon as possible to mitigate the risk.
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