Memory Leak in dvb_media_device_free() in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2021-1000100: media: dvbdev: Fix memory leak in dvb_media_device_free(). Affects Kernel versions >= 0230d60e4661d9ced6fb0b9a30f182ebdafbba7a, < 9ad15e214fcd73694ea51967d86055f47b802066. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a fundamental component of the Linux operating system that manages core system functions, such as memory management, process scheduling, and device drivers. It provides an interface between the hardware and software layers, allowing applications to communicate with the underlying hardware. The dvbdev module in the Kernel is responsible for handling Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) devices, which are used for receiving and decoding digital television signals. This vulnerability specifically affects the dvb_media_device_free() function in the dvbdev module.
Vulnerability Detail
The dvb_media_device_free() function in the dvbdev module of the Kernel suffers from a memory leak vulnerability. When a DVB media device is freed, the function fails to release allocated memory, leading to a gradual depletion of system resources. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability by repeatedly creating and freeing DVB media devices, causing a denial-of-service condition or even a system crash due to resource exhaustion. The vulnerability was introduced in version v4.5 of the Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.11.20.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Kernel to version v5.11.20 or later. This can be done by downloading the latest version from the official Linux Kernel repository (https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/stable/linux.git/) and following the installation instructions provided. Alternatively, users can check for available updates using their distribution's package manager and apply the necessary patches.
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The memory leak vulnerability in dvb_media_device_free() in the Kernel can lead to resource exhaustion and potential denial-of-service conditions. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version v5.11.20 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
This vulnerability can lead to a gradual depletion of system resources, potentially causing a denial-of-service condition or system crash.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file and the Vulert Playground will analyze it for any known vulnerabilities.
There is no known exploit for this vulnerability at the moment. However, it is always recommended to apply security patches and updates to mitigate any potential risks.
No, this vulnerability requires local access to the system in order to exploit it.
The primary mitigation for this vulnerability is to update the Kernel to the fixed version. Additionally, it is good security practice to restrict access to trusted users and regularly monitor system resources for any unusual behavior.
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