CVE-2021-47123·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: io_uring: fix ltout double free on completion race Always remove linked timeout on io_link_timeout_fn() from the master request link list, otherwise we may get use-after-free when first io_link_timeout_fn() puts linked timeout in the fail path, and then will be found and put on master's free.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 5.12.10
- Published
- 2024-03-15
Affected versions
From: 5.11
Until: 5.12.10
Fixed in: 5.12.10
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 5.12.10 or later to resolve a double-free vulnerability in the io_uring subsystem that can be triggered by local users. This memory corruption issue affects kernel versions 5.11 through 5.12.9 and requires immediate patching to prevent potential privilege escalation or denial of service.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Run 'uname -r' to check your current kernel version and verify if it falls within the vulnerable range (5.11.x to 5.12.9)
- Verify io_uring is enabled in your kernel with 'grep CONFIG_IO_URING /boot/config-$(uname -r)' — if it returns 'y', the subsystem is active
- Search system logs for io_uring related crashes with 'sudo journalctl -u kernel | grep -i 'io_uring\|double free\|use-after-free'
- After patching, reboot and run 'uname -r' again to confirm the new kernel version is 5.12.10 or later
FAQ
What is CVE-2021-47123?
This vulnerability is a double-free memory corruption bug in the Linux kernel's io_uring implementation. It occurs when a linked timeout operation is improperly freed during concurrent completion operations, allowing local attackers to trigger memory safety violations.
Is CVE-2021-47123 being actively exploited?
No, this vulnerability is not listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and has no public exploit available. However, it remains a high-severity issue due to its potential for local privilege escalation.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2021-47123?
Linux kernel versions 5.11.0 through 5.12.9 are vulnerable. Version 5.12.10 and all later releases contain the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2021-47123?
Run 'uname -r' to get your kernel version. If the output shows 5.11.x or 5.12.0 through 5.12.9, your system is vulnerable. Cross-reference with 'grep CONFIG_IO_URING /boot/config-$(uname -r)' to confirm io_uring is enabled.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2021-47123?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If Linux kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2021-47123 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
Track CVEs across your fleet automatically
Defensia scans your Linux servers and tells you exactly which ones are running vulnerable versions — including CVE-2021-47123. Free for 1 server.
Get started free