In the Linux kernel, a critical vulnerability has been discovered that allows for use-after-free conditions in the nvme-rdma component. This vulnerability, classified as CVE-2021-47378, has a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a critical severity level. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of the connection management ID (cm_id) during the destruction of queue pairs (qp), leading to potential exploitation. Organizations must understand the real-world implications of this vulnerability, as it poses significant risks.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and data compromise, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code or disrupt system availability. Given its severity, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The vulnerability was published on May 21, 2024, and has been marked as analyzed, but there is currently no known active exploitation.
To effectively mitigate the risk, organizations are advised to apply the necessary patches as soon as they are available. This will help in safeguarding systems against potential attacks that could exploit this vulnerability.
In summary, CVE-2021-47378 presents a critical risk to organizations utilizing the Linux kernel, especially those with vulnerable versions. Prompt action is essential to maintain system integrity and security.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-2021-47378 describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's nvme-rdma component. It is essential to destroy the cm_id before destroying the qp to prevent receiving a cma event after the qp has been destroyed. This oversight can lead to a use-after-free scenario. The CVSS score of 9.8 reflects the critical nature of this vulnerability, emphasizing its potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The affected product is the Linux kernel, with various versions being vulnerable, particularly those before 5.10.70 and between versions 5.11 and 5.14.9. The vulnerability has been recorded under CWE-416.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is improper handling of memory management during the destruction of connection management identifiers within the RDMA framework. The attack vector is network-based, with low complexity, meaning it could be exploited without extensive technical knowledge. No privileges are required for exploitation, and user interaction is not necessary.
When exploited, the vulnerability can severely impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as attackers may gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or disrupt system operations. Organizations should be aware that successful exploitation can result in a full system compromise.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment of vulnerable versions of the Linux kernel poses significant risks to organizations. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, potentially leading to data breaches or system disruptions. Given the critical CVSS score, organizations should assess their exposure and the potential blast radius of this vulnerability across their environments.
Urgency assessment indicates that organizations must address this vulnerability immediately, as the potential for exploitation could lead to severe consequences, including financial loss and reputational damage.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the Linux kernel include those prior to 5.10.70, as well as versions ranging from 5.11 to 5.14.9, and specifically the 5.15:rc1 version.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers. For detailed information on the patches, refer to the following resources: penetration testing should be conducted to validate the effectiveness of the applied patches. In addition, organizations should implement configuration hardening and enhance network controls to prevent exploitation.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor for unusual log indicators and behavioral anomalies associated with the nvme-rdma component. Additionally, network signatures should be configured to identify suspicious activities, and system changes should be closely monitored.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-47378 lies in its demonstration of how critical vulnerabilities can emerge from memory management flaws in widely used software. Security teams should learn from this incident and prioritize robust analysis of memory management practices within their systems. Regular audits and testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
For further reading on vulnerabilities and effective remediation strategies, consider exploring the following resources:
penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management program design to enhance your security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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