VMware Authentication framework (vmafdd) memory consumption gradually increases and drives the vCenter's (7.x) overall memory consumption higher

Products

• VMware vCenter Server

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:

vCenter's memory utilization will grow steadily.

Using the "vimtop" command in the vCenter, review the memory utilization of the vmafdd memory utilization (it can go as high as 40% and beyond).

Memory utilization chart in vCenter's VAMI page for 3 to 6 months will indicate a steady memory utilization growth.

 

Environment

VMware vCenter Server 7.0.x

Cause

This issue occurs due to a memory leak within the VMware authentication framework.

 

Resolution

The issue is resolved in vCenter Server 7.0 Update 3o (build number 22357613)

Workaround:

Until the fixed version is available, proactively restart the vmafdd using the below command when the vcenter memory utilization reaches 85% and above.

 

service-control --restart vmafdd

 

In general, restarting the vmafdd doesn't affect any other ongoing operations of the vCenter. However, in certain corner cases, the vCenter might report an internal error after the service restart when we try to access the vSphere web client. In such cases, we recommend a full restart of the vCenter.

 

Additional Information

Impact/Risks:

The vCenter's performance will deteriorate and it might become unresponsive.