Vulnerability in Kernel: serial: core: fix transmit-buffer reset and memleak
Summary
GSD-2021-1002452: serial: core: fix transmit-buffer reset and memleak. Affects Kernel versions >= 761ed4a94582ab291aa24dcbea4e01e8936488c8, < c5da8aa441053958594f94254592bb41264bdfbf. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
Background
The Kernel is a critical component of the Linux operating system that provides core functionality and facilitates communication between hardware and software. It is responsible for managing system resources, executing processes, and handling input/output operations. The vulnerability in question affects the serial core module of the Kernel, which is responsible for managing serial communication interfaces. Serial communication is commonly used for connecting devices such as modems, printers, and serial consoles. This vulnerability specifically relates to a flaw in the transmit-buffer reset mechanism, leading to a memory leak.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from an issue in the transmit-buffer reset functionality of the serial core module. When a transmit-buffer is reset, it fails to release the associated memory, resulting in a memory leak. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability by repeatedly triggering the transmit-buffer reset, leading to a gradual depletion of available memory resources. This could result in system instability, performance degradation, or even denial of service. The vulnerability was introduced in version v4.9 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.4.164.
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
If updating the Kernel is not immediately feasible, a potential workaround is to disable or limit the usage of serial communication interfaces that are affected by this vulnerability. This can be achieved by modifying the system configuration to prevent the loading of the serial core module or by physically disconnecting the affected devices. However, it is important to note that this workaround may impact the functionality of devices relying on serial communication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the vulnerability in the Kernel's serial core module can result in a memory leak, potentially leading to system instability or denial of service. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.4.164 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. If immediate updating is not possible, disabling or limiting the usage of affected serial communication interfaces can serve as a temporary workaround. For further assistance or support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The vulnerability can lead to a memory leak, potentially causing system instability, performance degradation, or denial of service.
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 provide real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.
Yes, the vulnerability has been fixed in version v5.4.164 of the Linux Kernel. It is recommended to update to this version or a later one to mitigate the vulnerability.
Yes, you can disable or limit the usage of affected serial communication interfaces as a temporary workaround. However, it is important to note that this may impact the functionality of devices relying on serial communication.
You can refer to the vulnerability details in the GSD Database (https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2021/1002xxx/GSD-2021-1002452.json) for more information, including the specific commits that introduced and fixed the vulnerability.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
