Memory Leak Vulnerability in perf hist

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

19/12/2021
N/A
No i
Unrated
Not published

GSD-2021-1002394: perf hist: Fix memory leak of a perf_hpp_fmt. Affects Kernel versions < c5c8a26c0dc69a400553245e92d741fe55f91095. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The perf hist tool is a part of the Linux Kernel package, which is responsible for collecting and analyzing performance data. It provides a way to trace and display various performance events. The vulnerability identified in this package is related to a memory leak issue in the perf_hpp_fmt function.

Vulnerability Detail

The perf_hpp_fmt function in the perf hist tool has a memory leak vulnerability. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial-of-service condition or potentially execute arbitrary code. The issue originates from a failure to free allocated memory when processing certain performance events. An attacker can trigger this vulnerability by crafting a malicious performance event, leading to the exhaustion of system memory resources or the execution of arbitrary code.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel package to version v4.14.257 or later. The fix for this issue is included in commit c5c8a26c0dc69a400553245e92d741fe55f91095. Updating the package will ensure that the memory leak is addressed and the vulnerability is mitigated.

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Workaround

There is no known workaround available for this vulnerability. It is essential to apply the recommended fix by updating the Linux Kernel package to the latest version.

Conclusion

The memory leak vulnerability in the perf hist tool of the Linux Kernel package can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial-of-service condition or potentially execute arbitrary code. It is crucial to update the package to version v4.14.257 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

This vulnerability can lead to a denial-of-service condition or potential execution of arbitrary code by an attacker.

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious performance event, triggering the memory leak and potentially causing system instability or executing arbitrary code.

No, there is no known workaround available. It is recommended to update the Linux Kernel package to the latest version to mitigate the vulnerability.

The vulnerability is present in versions prior to v4.14.257 of the Linux Kernel package.

You can find more information about this vulnerability in the Open Source Vulnerability Database (OSVDB) entry GSD-2021-1002394.

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 package to version v4.14.257 or later. The fix for this issue is included in commit c5c8a26c0dc69a400553245e92d741fe55f91095. Updating the package will ensure that the memory leak is addressed and the vulnerability is mitigated.

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

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