Memory Leak in ip_mc_add1_src in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2021-1001069: net: ipv4: fix memory leak in ip_mc_add1_src. Affects Kernel versions >= 24803f38a5c0b6c57ed800b47e695f9ce474bc3a, < 77de6ee73f54a9a89c0afa0bf4c53b239aa9953a. 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 functionalities such as process management, memory management, and device drivers. The ip_mc_add1_src function in the IPv4 networking subsystem of the Kernel is responsible for adding a multicast source to a multicast group. However, a memory leak vulnerability has been discovered in this function, which can lead to the exhaustion of system resources over time.
Vulnerability Detail
The memory leak vulnerability in ip_mc_add1_src arises from a failure to release allocated memory when an error occurs during the addition of a multicast source to a multicast group. This can result in a gradual depletion of system memory, leading to performance degradation and potential denial-of-service conditions. An attacker may be able to exploit this vulnerability to exhaust system resources, causing the system to become unresponsive or crash. The vulnerability was introduced in Kernel version 4.9 and has been fixed in version 5.12.13.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can disable multicast functionality or restrict access to multicast groups to mitigate the risk of exploitation. This can be achieved by modifying network configuration settings or using firewall rules to block multicast traffic. However, it is important to note that these workarounds may impact legitimate network communication and should only be considered as temporary measures until the Kernel is updated.
Conclusion
The memory leak vulnerability in ip_mc_add1_src can have serious consequences, including performance degradation and potential denial-of-service conditions. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version 5.12.13 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. In the meantime, temporary workarounds such as disabling multicast functionality or restricting access to multicast groups can be implemented. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The memory leak vulnerability in ip_mc_add1_src can lead to the gradual depletion of system memory, resulting in performance degradation and potential denial-of-service conditions. An attacker may be able to exploit this vulnerability to exhaust system resources, causing the system to become unresponsive or crash.
You can use tools like Vulert (https://vulert.com) 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 in the software.
Yes, this vulnerability has been fixed in Kernel version 5.12.13. It is recommended to update the Kernel to the latest version to ensure the security of your system.
Yes, as a temporary workaround, you can disable multicast functionality or restrict access to multicast groups. However, these measures may impact legitimate network communication and should only be considered until the Kernel is updated.
You can refer to the vulnerability details in the GSD database (https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2021/1001xxx/GSD-2021-1001069.json) for more information about this vulnerability.
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