Lock Order Reversal Vulnerability in md_alloc

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

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

GSD-2021-1001666: md: fix a lock order reversal in md_alloc. Affects Kernel versions >= b0140891a8cea36469f58d23859e599b1122bd37, < b18ba3f477a2fdd12d2ca2e01d2bd874968714e2. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

Free scan

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.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored MarkAI Find prospects already talking about the problem you solve AI watches the communities your customers use to find qualified prospects, then alerts you when a conversation is worth joining. See MarkAI

Background

The Kernel package is a critical component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing the system's core functionality. It provides essential services such as process management, memory management, and device drivers. The md_alloc function within the Kernel package is responsible for allocating memory for metadata structures used by the Multiple Devices (MD) subsystem. These structures are crucial for managing software RAID arrays. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the md_alloc function that can lead to a lock order reversal.

Vulnerability Detail

The lock order reversal vulnerability in md_alloc arises when the function acquires locks in an incorrect order, potentially resulting in a deadlock situation. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability was introduced in version v3.0 of the Linux Kernel and was fixed in version v5.10.70 by commit b18ba3f477a2fdd12d2ca2e01d2bd874968714e2.

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

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is strongly advised to apply the recommended fix by updating the Linux Kernel package to the patched version.

Conclusion

The lock order reversal vulnerability in md_alloc within the Kernel package can lead to a deadlock situation and potential unauthorized code execution. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel package to version v5.10.70 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. No known exploits have been disclosed at the time of this report, but it is recommended to apply the fix promptly. For further support, contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

The vulnerability can lead to a deadlock situation, causing a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or potentially enabling an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

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 to the playground, and it will analyze and alert you in real-time if the vulnerability is present.

At the time of this report, no known exploits for this vulnerability have been disclosed. However, it is crucial to apply the recommended fix to mitigate the risk.

Yes, this vulnerability can be exploited remotely if an attacker can gain access to the affected system.

For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact info@devnack.com. Their team of experts can provide guidance and assistance in addressing this vulnerability.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.

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 →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback