Memory Leak in smsc75xx_bind in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2021-1000708: net: usb: fix memory leak in smsc75xx_bind. Affects Kernel versions >= d0cad871703b898a442e4049c532ec39168e5b57, < 200dbfcad8011e50c3cec269ed7b980836eeb1fa. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel is a crucial component of the Linux operating system that provides core functionalities and acts as an interface between hardware and software. It manages system resources, facilitates communication between different software components, and ensures the overall stability and security of the system. The smsc75xx_bind function in the Kernel's USB subsystem is responsible for binding the SMSC75XX USB Ethernet driver to the corresponding USB device. However, a memory leak vulnerability has been identified in this function, which could lead to the exhaustion of system memory resources over time.
Vulnerability Detail
The memory leak vulnerability in smsc75xx_bind arises due to the improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation. When the function is called to bind the SMSC75XX USB Ethernet driver, it may fail to release allocated memory in certain error scenarios. As a result, memory resources are not properly freed, leading to a gradual depletion of available memory. This can eventually cause system instability, performance degradation, and potentially enable attackers to exploit the system by exhausting memory resources. The vulnerability was introduced in version v2.6.34 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v4.4.271.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can unload and reload the SMSC75XX USB Ethernet driver module to release any accumulated memory. This can be achieved by executing the following commands as root:
rmmod smsc75xx
modprobe smsc75xx
However, it is important to note that this workaround only provides a temporary solution and does not address the root cause of the vulnerability. Updating the Kernel to the latest version is strongly recommended.
Conclusion
The memory leak vulnerability in smsc75xx_bind in the Kernel can lead to the gradual exhaustion of system memory resources, potentially resulting in system instability and enabling attackers to exploit the system. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.4.271 or later to address this vulnerability. Regularly updating the Kernel is essential to ensure the application of the latest security patches and enhancements. For further assistance or support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The memory leak vulnerability in smsc75xx_bind can lead to the gradual depletion of system memory resources, resulting in system instability, performance degradation, and potential exploitation by attackers.
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 specific issue.
Yes, the vulnerability has been fixed in Linux Kernel version v4.4.271. It is recommended to update the Kernel to this version or a later one to mitigate the risk.
As a temporary workaround, you can unload and reload the SMSC75XX USB Ethernet driver module. However, this is not a permanent solution, and updating the Kernel is strongly advised.
You can obtain the updated Linux Kernel from the official Linux Kernel repository or through your Linux distribution's package management system. Ensure to update to version v4.4.271 or a later release.
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