Lock Order Reversal Vulnerability in md_alloc

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

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

GSD-2021-1001749: md: fix a lock order reversal in md_alloc. Affects Kernel versions >= b0140891a8cea36469f58d23859e599b1122bd37, < a46d5e3603bdc8e36b518a67cf9073a107906b68. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The Kernel package in the Linux ecosystem is responsible for managing the core functionality of the operating system. It provides essential services and interfaces for hardware, software, and user applications. One of its components, md_alloc, is responsible for allocating memory resources for the metadata of software RAID devices. This vulnerability in md_alloc involves a lock order reversal, which can lead to potential security risks.

Vulnerability Detail

The lock order reversal vulnerability in md_alloc occurs when locks are acquired in an incorrect order, potentially leading to deadlocks or inconsistent data states. This vulnerability was introduced in version v3.0 of the Linux Kernel by commit b0140891a8cea36469f58d23859e599b1122bd37 and was fixed in version v5.14.9 by commit a46d5e3603bdc8e36b518a67cf9073a107906b68. While the actual impact and attack plausibility have not been proven, this vulnerability should be taken seriously as it could potentially be exploited by malicious actors.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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Workaround

There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability.

Conclusion

The lock order reversal vulnerability in md_alloc can pose potential security risks, leading to deadlocks or inconsistent data states. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel package to version v5.14.9 or later to mitigate these risks. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

The impact of this vulnerability could potentially lead to deadlocks or inconsistent data states, which may result in system instability or data corruption.

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 the Vulert Playground will analyze it for any open-source vulnerabilities, including this lock order reversal vulnerability in md_alloc.

There is no known exploit for this vulnerability at the moment. However, it is still important to apply the recommended fix to mitigate any potential risks.

The details regarding remote exploitation of this vulnerability have not been provided. However, it is always recommended to keep systems up to date with the latest security patches to minimize the risk of remote exploitation.

The recommended solution is to update the Linux Kernel package to the fixed version. However, if updating is not feasible, you can consult with security experts or the Linux community for alternative mitigation strategies.

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How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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