Denial of Service Vulnerability in mdadm Package

mdadm Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

11/08/2023
N/A
Yes i
Unrated
Not published

DEBIAN-CVE-2023-28938: Uncontrolled resource consumption in some Intel(R) SSD Tools software before version mdadm-4.2-rc2 may allow a priviledged user to potentially enable denial of service via local access. Affects mdadm versions < 4.2~rc2-2. Fixed in 4.2~rc2-2. How to fix ↓

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Background

The mdadm package is a widely used tool in Linux systems for managing and monitoring software RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) arrays. It provides functionalities for creating, assembling, and managing RAID devices, making it essential for data redundancy and performance. However, certain versions of mdadm prior to 4.2~rc2-2 are susceptible to a vulnerability that can lead to uncontrolled resource consumption, potentially affecting system stability.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability identified as DEBIAN-CVE-2023-28938 arises from uncontrolled resource consumption in some Intel SSD Tools software versions before mdadm-4.2-rc2. This flaw allows a privileged user to exploit the system, leading to a potential denial of service (DoS) condition through local access. The implications of this vulnerability are significant, as it can disrupt normal operations and affect the availability of services relying on RAID configurations.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

4.2~rc2-2

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade mdadm

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Workaround

Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the available patch by updating the mdadm package as described above.

Conclusion

The vulnerability DEBIAN-CVE-2023-28938 in the mdadm package poses a risk of denial of service due to uncontrolled resource consumption. Users are advised to update to the patched version 4.2~rc2-2 to mitigate this risk. Regular monitoring and prompt updates are essential for maintaining system security.

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FAQ

The vulnerability allows for uncontrolled resource consumption, which can lead to a denial of service condition for systems using the mdadm package.

You can check if your application is affected by using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner, which allows you to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities without requiring any installation.

While there are no specific workarounds, it is recommended to monitor the system for unusual activity and plan for an update as soon as possible.

The urgency of this vulnerability is classified as unimportant, but it can still lead to significant service disruptions if exploited.

Detailed information about the mdadm package can be found in the Debian package repository and its official documentation.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for mdadm.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

4.2~rc2-2

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade mdadm

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