CVE-2021-47048·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: spi: spi-zynqmp-gqspi: fix use-after-free in zynqmp_qspi_exec_op When handling op->addr, it is using the buffer "tmpbuf" which has been freed. This will trigger a use-after-free KASAN warning. Let's use temporary variables to store op->addr.val and op->cmd.opcode to fix this issue.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 5.12.4
- Published
- 2024-02-28
Affected versions
From: 5.12
Until: 5.12.4
Fixed in: 5.12.4
How to fix this CVE
CVE-2021-47048 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Xilinx ZynqMP QSPI driver that could allow a local authenticated attacker to cause kernel crashes or privilege escalation. Update your Linux kernel to version 5.12.4 or later to resolve this memory safety issue. Systems running affected kernel versions 5.12 through 5.12.3 should prioritize this patch deployment.
sudo dnf check-update kernel && sudo dnf update kernelDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Check your running kernel version with: uname -r — verify it is 5.12.4 or later
- Confirm ZynqMP QSPI driver is loaded: lsmod | grep zynqmp (if output appears, the vulnerable component may be in use)
- Search kernel logs for memory safety warnings: sudo dmesg | grep -i 'use-after-free\|kasan' to identify potential exploitation attempts
- After patching, verify the new kernel is active: uname -r should return 5.12.4 or a later stable release
FAQ
What is CVE-2021-47048?
CVE-2021-47048 is a use-after-free memory safety flaw in the Linux kernel's Xilinx ZynqMP QSPI driver. When processing SPI operations, the driver incorrectly references freed memory, allowing local authenticated users to trigger kernel panics or potentially escalate privileges.
Is CVE-2021-47048 being actively exploited?
No, CVE-2021-47048 is not listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog and has no known public exploits available. However, as a high-severity local privilege escalation vector, it should still be treated as a priority patch.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2021-47048?
Linux kernel versions 5.12 through 5.12.3 are vulnerable. Kernel 5.12.4 and all later stable releases contain the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2021-47048?
Run 'uname -r' to check your kernel version. If it returns 5.12 through 5.12.3, your system is vulnerable. Additionally, check if ZynqMP hardware is present with 'cat /proc/device-tree/compatible' on ARM-based systems.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2021-47048?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If the Linux kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2021-47048 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1231279389b5e638bc3b66b9741c94077aed4b5a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/23269ac9f123eca3aea7682d3345c02e71ed696c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a2c5bedb2d55dd27c642c7b9fb6886d7ad7bdb58
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d67e0d6bd92ebbb0294e7062bbf5cdc773764e62
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1231279389b5e638bc3b66b9741c94077aed4b5a
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