Memory Leak Vulnerability in Linux Kernel
Summary
GSD-2021-1000061: media: dvbdev: Fix memory leak in dvb_media_device_free(). Affects Kernel versions >= 0230d60e4661d9ced6fb0b9a30f182ebdafbba7a, < cede24d13be6c2a62be6d7ceea63c2719b0cfa82. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing system resources and providing an interface for applications to interact with the hardware. It is widely used in various devices, including servers, desktops, and embedded systems. The vulnerability identified in this report affects the Kernel and specifically the media subsystem, which handles various media devices such as DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) devices.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as GSD-2021-1000061, is a memory leak issue in the dvbdev module of the media subsystem in the Linux Kernel. The flaw exists in the dvb_media_device_free() function, which is responsible for freeing resources associated with DVB media devices. Due to improper memory management, the function fails to release allocated memory, leading to a memory leak. An attacker with local access to the system could exploit this vulnerability to exhaust available memory resources, potentially causing a denial-of-service condition or other unexpected behavior.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a workaround, users can unload the affected module (dvbdev) to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability. This can be achieved by executing the following command as root or with sudo privileges:
rmmod dvbdev
However, it is important to note that unloading the module may disable the functionality provided by DVB media devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the memory leak vulnerability in the dvbdev module of the Linux Kernel's media subsystem could allow a local attacker to exhaust memory resources, potentially leading to a denial-of-service condition. It is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.12.3 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Alternatively, users can unload the affected module (dvbdev) as a temporary workaround. For further assistance or support in addressing this vulnerability, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability could be exploited by a local attacker to cause a denial-of-service condition or other unexpected behavior by exhausting available memory resources.
No, this vulnerability requires local access to the system in order to be exploited.
The vulnerability was introduced in version v4.5 of the Linux Kernel and is present in all versions prior to v5.12.3.
There are no known instances of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild at the time of this report.
No, a CVSS score has not been assigned to this vulnerability at the time of this report.
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