Memory Leak in smsc75xx_bind in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2021-1000663: net: usb: fix memory leak in smsc75xx_bind. Affects Kernel versions >= d0cad871703b898a442e4049c532ec39168e5b57, < 9e6a3eccb28779710cbbafc4f4258d92509c6d07. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a crucial component of the Linux operating system that manages communication between hardware and software. It provides essential functions and services to enable the proper functioning of the system. The smsc75xx_bind function in the Kernel handles USB network devices using the SMSC75XX driver. This driver is responsible for managing USB-to-Ethernet adapters based on the SMSC75XX chipset. The vulnerability in smsc75xx_bind leads to a memory leak, which can result in resource exhaustion and potential system instability.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in smsc75xx_bind arises from a memory leak issue. When a USB network device is bound to the SMSC75XX driver, memory resources are allocated but not properly released when the device is unbound. This can lead to a gradual depletion of available memory, potentially causing system performance degradation or even crashes. An attacker with physical access to the system and the ability to repeatedly bind and unbind USB network devices could exploit this vulnerability to exhaust system resources and disrupt normal operations.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. However, users can mitigate the risk by ensuring that untrusted USB devices are not connected to the system. Additionally, regular system monitoring and resource usage analysis can help identify any abnormal memory consumption patterns that may indicate a potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The memory leak vulnerability in smsc75xx_bind can lead to resource exhaustion and system instability. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.19.193 or later to fix this issue. Regular system monitoring and cautious handling of USB devices can also help mitigate the risk. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability can lead to a gradual depletion of available memory, potentially causing system performance degradation or crashes. An attacker with physical access to the system and the ability to repeatedly bind and unbind USB network devices could exploit this vulnerability to exhaust system resources and disrupt normal operations.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert uses a manifest file like package-lock.json to monitor and alert in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, a patch is available in the Linux Kernel version v4.19.193. It is recommended to update to this version or a later one to fix the vulnerability.
No, this vulnerability requires physical access to the system and the ability to connect and disconnect USB network devices.
There are no known instances of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild. However, it is still important to apply the necessary updates to mitigate the risk.
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