Vulnerability in Kernel: Fix freeing of uninitialized misc IRQ vector

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

19/10/2021
N/A
No i
Unrated
Not published

GSD-2021-1001623: i40e: Fix freeing of uninitialized misc IRQ vector. Affects Kernel versions >= c17401a1dd210a5f22ab1ec7c7366037c158a14c, < 97aeed72af4f83ae51534f0a2473ff52f8d66236. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The Kernel is a fundamental component of the Linux operating system that provides essential services and functions for the system's operation. It acts as a bridge between the hardware and software layers, managing resources, executing processes, and facilitating communication between different components. The i40e driver is responsible for supporting Intel Ethernet Network Adapters based on the Intel 40 Gigabit Ethernet Controller. These adapters are commonly used in data centers and enterprise networks. The i40e driver handles various tasks related to network communication, including managing interrupts and handling events. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the i40e driver that could potentially lead to security issues.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in the i40e driver involves the freeing of an uninitialized miscellaneous (misc) IRQ vector. This issue arises when the driver attempts to free an IRQ vector that has not been properly initialized. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been fully proven yet. The vulnerability was introduced in version v4.15 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.10.73.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.73 or later. This update includes the necessary patch to address the issue. Users can obtain the updated Kernel from the official Linux Kernel repository. The following steps can be followed to update the Kernel:

  1. Clone the Linux Kernel repository using the command: git clone https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/stable/linux.git

  2. Checkout the desired version (v5.10.73 or later) using the command: git checkout v5.10.73

  3. Build and install the updated Kernel following the instructions provided in the repository's documentation.

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Workaround

No specific workaround has been mentioned for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the fix by updating the Linux Kernel to the latest version.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a vulnerability has been identified in the i40e driver of the Linux Kernel, which involves the freeing of an uninitialized misc IRQ vector. This vulnerability could potentially lead to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.73 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

The impact of this vulnerability could range from a denial-of-service (DoS) condition to potential execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges. However, the actual impact and attack plausibility have not been fully proven yet.

You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/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 to identify any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.

No specific workaround has been mentioned for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the fix by updating the Linux Kernel to the latest version.

You can find more information about this vulnerability in the official Linux Kernel repository. The commit history and release notes provide detailed information about the fix and its impact.

The discovery of this vulnerability is credited to the automated ID system used to aid in the discovery of potential security vulnerabilities. The actual impact and attack plausibility have not been fully proven yet.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.73 or later. This update includes the necessary patch to address the issue. Users can obtain the updated Kernel from the official Linux Kernel repository. The following steps can be followed to update the Kernel:

  1. Clone the Linux Kernel repository using the command: git clone https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/stable/linux.git

  2. Checkout the desired version (v5.10.73 or later) using the command: git checkout v5.10.73

  3. Build and install the updated Kernel following the instructions provided in the repository's documentation.

Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →

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