In the Linux kernel, a high-severity vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-47097 has been disclosed. This vulnerability allows for potential stack out-of-bounds access due to improper handling of an array in the function elantech_change_report_id(). The affected function is called with an array parameter that is defined with insufficient size, leading to serious exploitation risks.
The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 7.1, indicating a high-severity risk to organizations. The potential impact includes unauthorized access and system instability, which can compromise sensitive data integrity and availability.
Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately. Failure to address this vulnerability may expose systems to significant security threats, including data breaches and service disruptions.
Security teams must ensure that they have the latest patches applied and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify any related weaknesses within their environments.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability in question stems from the Linux kernel's handling of an array within the elantech_change_report_id() function, where the parameter array is defined as having a size of 2 bytes. However, it must have at least 3 bytes to prevent stack out-of-bounds access. The vulnerability has been confirmed by KASAN, indicating a serious flaw that can lead to system crashes or unexpected behavior.
The potential impacts of this vulnerability include a high confidentiality impact as sensitive data could be exposed, while the integrity remains unaffected. The availability impact is also high, meaning that exploitation could lead to system unavailability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient allocation size for the array parameter in the elantech_change_report_id(). When the function elantech_read_reg_params() is invoked, it leads to an attempt to access 3 bytes from the parameter array, resulting in a stack out-of-bounds access.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, meaning that an attacker must have local access to the system to exploit this flaw. The attack complexity is low, as it does not require any specialized conditions or elaborate techniques.
Privileges required are low, allowing for exploitation even by users with limited access. There is no user interaction required, further simplifying the attack process.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2021-47097 is significant. Organizations using affected versions of the Linux kernel should be aware of the potential for information disclosure and system instability.
This vulnerability can potentially have a large blast radius, as many systems use the Linux kernel across various applications and environments. Organizations must prioritize their response to this vulnerability, especially considering the high CVSS score.
Given the current threat landscape, immediate action is recommended. Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and implement necessary patches as part of their security posture.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of the Linux kernel are affected by this vulnerability:
All versions prior to vendor patch, including specific ranges between 5.4.103 to 5.4.169, 5.10.21 to 5.10.89, and 5.11 to 5.15.12, as well as various release candidates of version 5.16.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-47097, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by their Linux distribution. Promptly update to versions that address this vulnerability.
If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting access to affected systems and monitoring for unusual activity. Engage in penetration testing to validate the security posture and identify any other potential vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for specific indicators can help identify attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Look for signs of abnormal stack access or unauthorized attempts to manipulate the elantech driver.
Behavioral anomalies in system performance may also indicate exploitation. Implement network signatures to detect unusual traffic patterns associated with this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-47097 is reflective of the ongoing challenges associated with kernel vulnerabilities. This incident highlights the importance of rigorous code review and secure coding practices within the development lifecycle.
Organizations need to implement a robust vulnerability management program to proactively manage and remediate vulnerabilities as they arise.
This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the need for continuous monitoring and assessment of software dependencies. Adopting penetration testing methodologies can help identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Finally, organizations should engage in thorough continuous security testing to ensure their systems remain resilient against emerging threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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