Memory Leak Vulnerability in perf bpf Package

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

29/11/2021
N/A
No i
Unrated
Not published

GSD-2021-1002265: perf bpf: Avoid memory leak from perf_env__insert_btf(). Affects Kernel versions >= 3792cb2ff43b1b193136a03ce1336462a827d792, < 642fc22210a5e59d40b1e4d56d21ec3effd401f2. 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 Devnack Penetration testing for web, API and mobile Manual testing by engineers who build software, not an auditor's checklist. Trusted by teams at Swift and Google Talk to Devnack

Background

The perf bpf package is a component of the Linux Kernel ecosystem. It provides functionality for performance monitoring and profiling using Berkeley Packet Filter (BPF) programs. BPF programs are used to analyze and filter network packets efficiently. The package is widely used in Linux-based systems for performance analysis and troubleshooting purposes.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability identified as GSD-2021-1002265 in the perf bpf package can lead to a memory leak. Specifically, the issue arises from the perf_env__insert_btf() function. This vulnerability was introduced in version v5.1 of the Linux Kernel and was fixed in version v5.4.162. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet. However, if exploited, it could potentially result in memory exhaustion, leading to system instability or denial of service.

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 avoid the memory leak by refraining from using the affected functionality of the perf bpf package until the Linux Kernel is updated to the fixed version.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the perf bpf package in the Linux Kernel is vulnerable to a memory leak issue. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.4.162 or later. Users can also check the vulnerability status of their applications using Vulert's playground at https://vulert.com/scanner. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

The perf bpf package is a component of the Linux Kernel ecosystem that enables performance monitoring and profiling using Berkeley Packet Filter (BPF) programs.

If exploited, this vulnerability can result in memory exhaustion, potentially leading to system instability or denial of service.

To fix this vulnerability, update the Linux Kernel to version v5.4.162 or later, which includes the necessary fix for the memory leak issue.

Yes, users can avoid the memory leak by refraining from using the affected functionality of the perf bpf package until the Linux Kernel is updated.

The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet. However, it is recommended to apply the fix as a precautionary measure.

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