Avoid Index Errors Caused by memcpy() Implementation on Latest Operating Systems

20 December 2011

The latest Linux versions, notably Redhat 6 (RHEL 6) have demonstrated a potential problem with c-treeACE buffer management functions. The most common symptoms are ITIM_ERR errors (160) or KDEL_ERR errors (4).

Previously, c-treeACE used a C library memcpy() function in certain buffer management areas. However, when the source and destination buffer locations overlap, this can cause unexpected memory corruption issues, and the latest Linux versions appear to exhibit this with greater frequency. The memmove() function has been utilized in place of the memcpy() function to avoid this problem. Latest versions of c-treeACE since V9.5 (builds since 110420) incorporate this change.

In most cases, an updated server in this environment, and a quick index rebuild is all that is needed. Existing data has been shown to be secure.

FairCom customers on current maintenance can request an updated V9 server line at any time. Please contact your nearest FairCom office should you have any concerns that you are impacted by this update.