CVE-2021-47119: ext4: fix memory leak in ext4_fill_super

Published Mar 15, 2024
·
Updated

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

ext4: fix memory leak in ext4fillsuper

Buffer head references must be released before calling killbdev(); otherwise the buffer head (and its page referenced by bdata) will not be freed by killbdev, and subsequently that bh will be leaked.

If blocksizes differ, sbsetblocksize() will kill current buffers and page cache by using killbdev(). And then super block will be reread again but using correct blocksize this time. sbsetblocksize() didn't fully free superblock page and buffer head, and being busy, they were not freed and instead leaked.

This can easily be reproduced by calling an infinite loop of:

systemctl start <ext4onlvm>.mount, and systemctl stop <ext4onlvm>.mount

... since systemd creates a cgroup for each slice which it mounts, and the bh leak get amplified by a dying memory cgroup that also never gets freed, and memory consumption is much more easily noticed.

Affected Software

7 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel>=2.6.19<5.10.43
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.12.10
Linux Linux kernel=5.13-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=5.13-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=5.13-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=5.13-rc4
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.27-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.10.223-1Fixed in 5.10.234-1Fixed in 6.1.129-1Fixed in 6.1.135-1Fixed in 6.12.27-1

Event History

Mar 15, 2024
CVE Published
via MITRE·08:14 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·08:14 PM
Description

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-47119?

CVE-2021-47119 has a medium severity rating due to the risk of memory leaks in the Linux kernel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-47119?

To fix CVE-2021-47119, upgrade your Linux kernel to a version that includes the patch for this vulnerability.

3

What versions of the Linux kernel are affected by CVE-2021-47119?

CVE-2021-47119 affects Linux kernel versions from 2.6.19 up to 5.10.43 and from 5.11 up to 5.12.10, as well as certain release candidates.

4

What is the nature of the vulnerability described in CVE-2021-47119?

CVE-2021-47119 involves a memory leak in the ext4 filesystem due to buffer head references not being released correctly.

5

Are there any recommended actions for users of the affected Linux kernel versions from CVE-2021-47119?

Users should promptly update their systems to the latest patched kernel to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-47119.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203