CVE-2020-12768 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover the impact of CVE-2020-12768, a disputed memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel before version 5.6. Learn about affected systems, exploitation details, and mitigation steps.
An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel before 5.6. svm_cpu_uninit in arch/x86/kvm/svm.c has a memory leak, aka CID-d80b64ff297e. This issue is disputed by third parties due to being a one-time leak at boot, with negligible size and non-triggerable at will.
Understanding CVE-2020-12768
What is CVE-2020-12768?
CVE-2020-12768 is a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel before version 5.6, specifically in the svm_cpu_uninit function in arch/x86/kvm/svm.c.
The Impact of CVE-2020-12768
The impact of this vulnerability is disputed as it involves a one-time memory leak during boot, which is of negligible size and cannot be triggered at will.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-12768
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability exists in the svm_cpu_uninit function in the Linux kernel before version 5.6, leading to a memory leak issue.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions affected: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
The memory leak occurs during the initialization of the svm_cpu_uninit function in the Linux kernel, impacting system memory.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Monitor official sources for updates and patches related to this vulnerability.
- Implement security best practices to mitigate potential risks.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version.
- Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address any vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about patches and updates released by Linux kernel maintainers to address the memory leak vulnerability.