CVE-2021-47101·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: asix: fix uninit-value in asix_mdio_read() asix_read_cmd() may read less than sizeof(smsr) bytes and in this case smsr will be uninitialized. Fail log: BUG: KMSAN: uninit-value in asix_check_host_enable drivers/net/usb/asix_common.c:82 [inline] BUG: KMSAN: uninit-value in asix_check_host_enable drivers/net/usb/asix_common.c:82 [inline] drivers/net/usb/asix_common.c:497 BUG: KMSAN: uninit-value in asix_mdio_read+0x3c1/0xb00 drivers/net/usb/asix_common.c:497 drivers/net/usb/asix_common.c:497 asix_check_host_enable drivers/net/usb/asix_common.c:82 [inline] asix_check_host_enable drivers/net/usb/asix_common.c:82 [inline] drivers/net/usb/asix_common.c:497 asix_mdio_read+0x3c1/0xb00 drivers/net/usb/asix_common.c:497 drivers/net/usb/asix_common.c:497
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 5.15.12
- Published
- 2024-03-04
Affected versions
From: 4.9
Until: 5.15.12
Fixed in: 5.15.12
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 5.15.12 or later to patch a memory initialization vulnerability in the ASIX USB network driver. This vulnerability can be triggered through MDIO read operations when the driver receives incomplete data, potentially leading to information disclosure or system instability. Apply the patch immediately if you are running kernel versions 4.9 through 5.15.11.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Step 1: Check your current kernel version with `uname -r` and compare against the affected range (4.9–5.15.11).
- Step 2: Verify if ASIX USB network devices are present on the system using `lsusb | grep -i asix` or check loaded drivers with `lsmod | grep asix`.
- Step 3: Search kernel logs for KMSAN warnings or asix driver errors using `dmesg | grep -i 'asix\|uninit\|KMSAN'`.
- Step 4: After patching, confirm the new kernel version with `uname -r` and verify it is 5.15.12 or later, then reboot to activate changes.
FAQ
What is CVE-2021-47101?
CVE-2021-47101 is a memory initialization bug in the Linux kernel's ASIX USB network driver. When the driver's MDIO read function receives incomplete data from the device, an uninitialized buffer variable is used, potentially leaking kernel memory or causing system crashes.
Is CVE-2021-47101 being actively exploited?
No, there are no known public exploits or active exploitation campaigns targeting CVE-2021-47101. This vulnerability requires local access and specific hardware configuration to trigger.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2021-47101?
Linux kernel versions 4.9 through 5.15.11 are affected. The vulnerability is patched in kernel 5.15.12 and later.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2021-47101?
Run `uname -r` to check your kernel version. If it shows a version between 4.9 and 5.15.11 inclusive, and your system has ASIX USB network hardware (check with `lsusb | grep -i asix`), your system is vulnerable.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2021-47101?
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-2021-47101 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
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