Memory Leak in mkiss_close in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2021-1000989: net: hamradio: fix memory leak in mkiss_close. Affects Kernel versions >= 815f62bf742718458ba822a7e1f51f285eb997f2, < 290b0b6432e2599021db0b8d6046f756d931c29f. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel package is a fundamental component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing system resources and providing an interface between hardware and software. It is crucial for the proper functioning of the system. The mkiss_close function in the hamradio module of the Kernel is vulnerable to a memory leak. This function is used to close a Multi-drop KISS interface. A memory leak occurs when memory is allocated but not properly deallocated, leading to a gradual depletion of available memory resources.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in mkiss_close can result in a memory leak, causing a gradual increase in memory consumption over time. If this vulnerability is exploited, it can lead to system instability, performance degradation, and potentially denial-of-service conditions. The memory leak occurs when the mkiss_close function fails to release allocated memory before returning. Attackers may be able to trigger this vulnerability by repeatedly opening and closing Multi-drop KISS interfaces, exhausting available memory resources.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a workaround, users can avoid using Multi-drop KISS interfaces or limit the frequency of opening and closing such interfaces to reduce the likelihood of triggering the memory leak. However, this is not a permanent solution and updating the Kernel is strongly advised.
Conclusion
The memory leak vulnerability in mkiss_close can have significant consequences for system stability and performance. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.46 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Users can also utilize the Vulert Playground at https://vulert.com/scanner to check if their system is affected and receive real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability can lead to a memory leak, causing increased memory consumption over time. This can result in system instability, performance degradation, and potential denial-of-service conditions.
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 it will provide real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, the vulnerability is fixed in Linux Kernel version v5.10.46. Updating the Kernel to this version or later will resolve the issue.
While it is possible to limit the frequency of opening and closing Multi-drop KISS interfaces to reduce the likelihood of triggering the memory leak, this is not a permanent solution. Updating the Kernel is the recommended approach.
At the time of this report, there are no known exploits for this vulnerability. However, it is important to promptly update the Kernel to prevent potential exploitation.
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