python / python/cpython

weakrefobject.c: binary, ternary, or comparison operations ref leak with dead proxy

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extension-modules type-bug
Dominant language
Python
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Description

Bug report

Bug description:

Original gist: https://gist.github.com/devdanzin/f7d0c7694b2be2345f4cf85f4eedc3ee

Summary

When first UNWRAP(x) succeeds but second UNWRAP(y) fails (dead proxy), x's new reference is leaked. Affects ~20 binary operators (+, -, *, /, |, &, ^, etc.).

Reproducer

import weakref, sys, gc

class C:
    def __add__(self, other): return NotImplemented
    def __radd__(self, other): return NotImplemented

obj = type('D', (), {})()
dead = weakref.proxy(obj)
del obj; gc.collect()

live_obj = C()
live = weakref.proxy(live_obj)

before = sys.gettotalrefcount()
for i in range(10000):
    try:
        live + dead
    except ReferenceError:
        pass
after = sys.gettotalrefcount()
print(f"Leaked {after - before} refs (~{(after-before)//10000}/call)")

Actually, ternary, or comparison operations have the same problem.

CPython versions tested on:

CPython main branch

Operating systems tested on:

No response

Linked PRs
  • gh-153059

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start in weakrefobject.c and run the provided refcount reproducer on a CPython main build. Check the binary, ternary, and comparison operation paths described in the report; done means the dead-proxy cases no longer leak references, including the repeated reproducer loop.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
c, python
Domain
backend
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Clearly specified
Newbie friendliness
25/100

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