Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a memory leak in the Linux kernel's mtd parser, specifically in the function mtd_parser_tplink_safeloader_parse().

The function allocates a buffer (buf) via mtd_parser_tplink_safeloader_read_table(). If the allocation for parts[idx].name fails inside a loop, the code jumps to an error handling label (err_free) without freeing the previously allocated buffer, causing a memory leak.

The fix involves freeing the temporary buffer buf in the err_free label to prevent the memory leak.

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Impact Analysis

A memory leak vulnerability can lead to increased memory usage over time, potentially causing system instability or crashes if the leaked memory accumulates.

In this specific case, the leak occurs in the Linux kernel's mtd parser, which could affect systems using this component, possibly degrading performance or reliability.

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Mitigation Strategies

The vulnerability is fixed by updating the Linux kernel to a version where the memory leak in the mtd_parser_tplink_safeloader_parse() function has been resolved.

Specifically, ensure your system is running a kernel version that includes the fix which frees the temporary buffer buf in the err_free label to prevent the memory leak.

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Compliance Impact

The provided information does not specify any impact of this vulnerability on compliance with common standards and regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.

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