Refcount Leak in icp_opal_init() in powerpc/xics
Summary
GSD-2022-1003566: powerpc/xics: fix refcount leak in icp_opal_init(). Affects Kernel versions < 6a61a97106279c2aa16fbbb2a171fd5dde127d23. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The powerpc/xics package is a component of the Linux Kernel, which is responsible for handling interrupt controllers on PowerPC systems. The icp_opal_init() function in this package initializes the interrupt controller for OpenPower Abstraction Layer (OPAL) systems. This function is vulnerable to a refcount leak, which can lead to resource exhaustion and potential denial-of-service attacks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in icp_opal_init() arises from a failure to properly release reference counts on certain resources. This can result in a refcount leak, where resources are not properly freed after use. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by repeatedly triggering the affected code path, causing the system to exhaust its resources and potentially crash. The impact of this vulnerability may vary depending on the specific system configuration and workload.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.121 or later. This fix is implemented in commit 6a61a97106279c2aa16fbbb2a171fd5dde127d23. Updating the kernel will ensure that the refcount leak in icp_opal_init() is addressed and the vulnerability is mitigated.
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Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the fix by updating the Linux Kernel.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in icp_opal_init() in the powerpc/xics package can lead to resource exhaustion and potential denial-of-service attacks. It is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.121 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability may vary depending on the specific system configuration and workload. In some cases, it could lead to resource exhaustion and potential denial-of-service attacks.
You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file and Vulert will analyze it for any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.
At the time of this report, there is no known exploit for this vulnerability. However, it is still important to apply the fix to mitigate the risk.
The only known mitigation for this vulnerability is to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.121 or later. This will address the refcount leak in icp_opal_init() and mitigate the vulnerability.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the vulnerability database maintained by the Cloud Security Alliance. The specific vulnerability ID is GSD-2022-1003566.
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