Memory Corruption in Linux Kernel Crypto Module

Executive Summary

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves incorrect DMA cleanup in the Cavium crypto driver. When unmapping DMA buffers, the code uses the wrong loop index, causing it to leak successfully mapped entries while repeatedly unmapping the failed one.

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Detection Guidance

This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel's crypto subsystem (cavium/cpt). Detection requires checking kernel logs for DMA cleanup errors or examining the affected driver code. No direct network detection commands exist. Review kernel logs with 'dmesg | grep -i cpt' or check driver initialization with 'lsmod | grep cpt'.

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Impact Analysis

This flaw could lead to memory leaks or resource exhaustion in systems using the affected Cavium crypto driver. It may cause instability or crashes in systems relying on cryptographic operations.

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Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest kernel update from your distribution to patch the sg_cleanup error. If immediate patching is not possible, disable the affected cavium/cpt driver by blacklisting it or recompiling the kernel without the module. Monitor system logs for DMA-related errors.

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