Question & Answer
Question
- Default values for the AIX command "no" tunables are changed on a Power10 machine; namely, the default value for "cached_routes" has changed from 0 to 1. Does this change affect the operability of AIX or VIOS on my system?
- Does the change of "cached_routes" have to do with the HIPER APAR IJ44513: "MEMORY LEAK IS SEEN DUE TO CACHED_ROUTE NO OPTION"?
- If the default is changed to a certain value (0 or 1 for cached_routes), is the AIX or VIOS system no longer vulnerable to HIPER IJ44513?
Cause
IBM's Power10 machines are developed with different defaults than in previous machines (POWER9 and earlier). In most cases, default values change because the Power10 can handle slight optimizations, like route caching for network traffic through the AIX command "no". However, these tunables have no bearing on overall operability of the machine. AIX administrators are free to change these values to fit the needs of their environment.
Regarding the variable "cached_routes", the default options are boolean (0 for off or 1 for on). The value -1 for this tunable denotes that the system decides the proper value based on the managed system. A value of "-1" on Power10 machines yields a default of 1.
Answer
The "cached_routes" value does not affect whether or not an AIX or VIOS system is vulnerable to the HIPER APAR IJ44513. To determine whether your system is vulnerable, it is only necessary to check whether your file sets - bos.mp64, and bos.net.tcp.client_core (bos.net.tcp.client for AIX 7.1) - are within the affected range. For more information, see the table in this HIPER APAR doc.
If the file sets at your VIOS or AIX level are affected: You can download the HIPER interim fixes found as links on the HIPER APAR doc based on your level, or update to a level that includes this APAR.
If you need guidance on how to apply the fix or update your system, or otherwise require assistance, contact IBM by opening a case for Software Support (with an active support contract). Use the following step-by-step instructions:
- Document (or collect screen captures of) all symptoms, errors, and messages related to your issue.
- Capture any logs or data relevant to the situation.
- Contact IBM to open a case:
- For electronic support, see the IBM Support Community
- If you require telephone support, use this web page: https://www.ibm.com/planetwide/
- Provide a clear, concise description of the issue.
- For more information, see: Working with IBM AIX Support: Describing the problem
- If the system is accessible, collect a system snap, and upload all of the additional details and data to your case.
- For more information, see: Working with IBM AIX Support: Collecting snap data
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Related Information
[{"Type":"MASTER","Line of Business":{"code":"LOB57","label":"Power"},"Business Unit":{"code":"BU058","label":"IBM Infrastructure w\/TPS"},"Product":{"code":"SSPHKW","label":"PowerVM Virtual I\/O Server"},"ARM Category":[{"code":"a8m3p000000hAGIAA2","label":"PowerVM VIOS-\u003EAIX resources"}],"ARM Case Number":"TS012231202","Platform":[{"code":"PF025","label":"Platform Independent"}],"Version":"All Versions"}]
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Document Information
Modified date:
02 March 2023
UID
ibm16957802