Re: [PATCH bpf-next v9 3/4] bpf: Add kfuncs for storing struct task_struct * as a kptr

Matus Jokay
2022-12-05T11:08:23Z

Hello David,

Your idea behind this patch is cool, but I'm afraid that the
implementation is incorrect.

As you can see, the task_struct:rcu_users member shares the same memory
area with the task_struct:rcu (the head of an RCU CB).
Consequence: *violated invariant* that the reference counter will
remain zero after reaching zero!!!
After reaching zero the task_struct:rcu head is set, so further attempts
to access the task_struct:rcu_users may lead to a non-zero value.
For more information see
https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/CAHk-=wjT6LG6sDaZtfeT80B9RaMP-y7RNRM4F5CX2v2Z=o8e=A@mail.gmail.com/
In my opinion, the decision about task_struct:rcu and
task_struct:rcu_users union is very bad, but you should probably consult
the memory separation with authors of the actual implementation.

For now, in our project, we use the following approach:

1) get a reference to a valid task within RCU read-side with
get_task_struct()
2) in the release function:
2.1) enter RCU read-side
2.2) if the task state is not TASK_DEAD: use put_task_struct()
Note: In the case of a race with an exiting task it's OK to
call put_task_struct(), because task_struct will be freed
*after* the current RCU GP thanks to the task_struct:rcu_users
mechanism.
2.3) otherwise if test_and_set(my_cb_flag): call_rcu(my_cb)
Note1: With respect to the RCU CB API you should guarantee that
your CB will be installed only once within a given RCU GP. For
that purpose we use my_cb_flag.
Note2: This code will race with the task_struct:rcu_users
mechanism [delayed_put_task_struct()], but it's OK. Either the
delayed_put_task_struct() or my_cb() can be the last to call
final put_task_struct() after the current RCU GP.
2.4) otherwise: call put_task_struct()
Note: The my_cb() is already installed, so within the current
RCU GP we can invoke put_task_struct() and the ref counter of
the task_struct will not reach zero.
2.5) release the RCU read-side
3) The RCU CB my_cb() should set the my_cb_flag to False and call
put_task_struct().

If the release function is called within RCU read-side, the task_struct
is guaranteed to remain valid until the end of the current RCU GP.

Good luck,
mY