Memory Leak in dvb_media_device_free() in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2021-1000172: media: dvbdev: Fix memory leak in dvb_media_device_free(). Affects Kernel versions >= 0230d60e4661d9ced6fb0b9a30f182ebdafbba7a, < 9185b3b1c143b8da409c19ac5a785aa18d67a81b. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a critical component of the Linux operating system that manages system resources and facilitates communication between hardware and software. It provides essential functions and services to enable the proper functioning of the system. The dvbdev module within the Kernel is responsible for handling Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) devices. DVB devices are used for receiving and processing digital television signals. The dvb_media_device_free() function is used to release resources associated with DVB media devices. However, a memory leak vulnerability has been identified in this function, which can lead to the exhaustion of system memory over time.
Vulnerability Detail
The memory leak vulnerability in dvb_media_device_free() arises from a failure to properly deallocate memory resources when releasing DVB media devices. This can result in a gradual accumulation of unreleased memory, leading to memory exhaustion and potential system instability. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition by repeatedly creating and freeing DVB media devices, consuming excessive memory resources. The vulnerability was introduced in version v4.5 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.4.118 by commit 9185b3b1c143b8da409c19ac5a785aa18d67a81b.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As this vulnerability has been fixed in the latest version of the Linux Kernel, there is no specific workaround available. It is strongly advised to update to the patched version to ensure the security and stability of the system.
Conclusion
The memory leak vulnerability in dvb_media_device_free() can pose a significant risk to the stability and performance of systems running affected versions of the Linux Kernel. It is crucial to update to the patched version (v5.4.118 or later) to mitigate this vulnerability. For further assistance or support in addressing this vulnerability, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The memory leak vulnerability in dvb_media_device_free() can lead to memory exhaustion, potentially causing system instability and a denial-of-service (DoS) condition.
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by repeatedly creating and freeing DVB media devices, consuming excessive memory resources and causing a DoS condition.
The vulnerability was introduced in version v4.5 of the Linux Kernel. Versions prior to v5.4.118 are affected.
Yes, the vulnerability has been fixed in version v5.4.118 of the Linux Kernel.
The updated Linux Kernel can be obtained from the official Linux Kernel repository at https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/stable/linux.git/.
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