Memory Leak in net/mlx5e Package
Summary
UVI-2021-1001858: net/mlx5e: Fix memory leak in mlx5_core_destroy_cq() error path. Affects Kernel versions >= e126ba97dba9edeb6fafa3665b5f8497fc9cdf8c, < 4f7bddf8c5c01cac74373443b13a68e1c6723a94. 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
Background
The net/mlx5e package is a component of the Linux Kernel that provides support for Mellanox network adapters. It includes drivers and utilities for managing and configuring these adapters. The package is responsible for handling various network operations and ensuring efficient data transfer between the network interface and the kernel. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the package that can lead to a memory leak in certain error scenarios.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in net/mlx5e, specifically in the mlx5_core_destroy_cq() function, can result in a memory leak when an error occurs during the destruction of a completion queue (CQ). This memory leak can gradually consume system resources and may eventually lead to performance degradation or system instability. The issue was introduced in version v3.11 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.10.75.
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 essential to apply the provided fix by updating the Linux Kernel to the recommended version.
Conclusion
The memory leak vulnerability in the net/mlx5e package can have adverse effects on system performance and stability. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.10.75 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
net/mlx5e is a package in the Linux Kernel that provides support for Mellanox network adapters.
mlx5_core_destroy_cq() is a function in the net/mlx5e package that is responsible for destroying a completion queue (CQ) used for network operations.
A memory leak occurs when a program or system fails to release memory that is no longer needed. In this vulnerability, a memory leak can happen during the destruction of a completion queue, leading to a gradual consumption of system resources.
The memory leak caused by this vulnerability can result in performance degradation and system instability over time as system resources are gradually consumed.
You can use Vulert's playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities without requiring access to the code or installation.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
