Vulnerability in cpufreq: schedutil in Kernel
Summary
GSD-2021-1001600: cpufreq: schedutil: Use kobject release() method to free sugov_tunables. Affects Kernel versions >= 9bdcb44e391da5c41b98573bf0305a0e0b1c9569, < 67c98e023135ff81b8d52998a6fdb8ca0c518d82. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The Kernel is a crucial component of the Linux operating system that manages communication between hardware and software. It provides essential functionalities and services to ensure the proper functioning of the system. One of its features is the cpufreq subsystem, which controls the frequency scaling of the CPU to optimize power consumption and performance. Within this subsystem, the schedutil governor is responsible for dynamically adjusting the CPU frequency based on the system's workload. However, a vulnerability has been identified in the schedutil governor that can potentially be exploited by attackers.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the cpufreq: schedutil governor arises from the improper handling of memory resources. Specifically, the sugov_tunables structure, which is used to store tunable parameters for the governor, is not correctly freed when it is no longer needed. This can lead to memory leaks and potential resource exhaustion. Although the impact and attack plausibility have not been proven, if successfully exploited, an attacker could potentially cause denial of service conditions or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability was introduced in version v4.7 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.4.151.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a workaround, users can disable the schedutil governor and switch to an alternative CPU frequency scaling governor, such as the performance or powersave governor. This can be achieved by modifying the cpufreq configuration file or using command-line tools. However, it is important to note that this workaround may impact the system's power efficiency or performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a vulnerability has been identified in the cpufreq: schedutil governor of the Linux Kernel. This vulnerability can potentially lead to denial of service conditions or arbitrary code execution. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version v5.4.151 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Alternatively, users can apply a temporary workaround by switching to an alternative CPU frequency scaling governor. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
If successfully exploited, this vulnerability can lead to denial of service conditions or arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges.
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 in real-time.
Yes, a patch has been released in version v5.4.151 of the Linux Kernel. It is recommended to update your Kernel to this version or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Yes, as a temporary workaround, you can disable the schedutil governor and switch to an alternative CPU frequency scaling governor, such as the performance or powersave governor. However, this may impact power efficiency or performance.
For more details about this vulnerability, you can refer to the vulnerability report in the GSD Database: https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2021/1001xxx/GSD-2021-1001600.json
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
