CVE-2021-47323·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: watchdog: sc520_wdt: Fix possible use-after-free in wdt_turnoff() This module's remove path calls del_timer(). However, that function does not wait until the timer handler finishes. This means that the timer handler may still be running after the driver's remove function has finished, which would result in a use-after-free. Fix by calling del_timer_sync(), which makes sure the timer handler has finished, and unable to re-schedule itself.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 5.13.4
- Published
- 2024-05-21
Affected versions
From: 5.13
Until: 5.13.4
Fixed in: 5.13.4
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 5.13.4 or later to resolve a use-after-free vulnerability in the SC520 watchdog driver. The vulnerability occurs when the watchdog timer handler continues executing after the driver is unloaded, potentially causing memory corruption or system instability. Apply the patch immediately to systems running kernel versions 5.13.0 through 5.13.3.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Check your kernel version: uname -r — if it shows 5.13.0 through 5.13.3, your system is vulnerable
- Verify if the SC520 watchdog driver is loaded: lsmod | grep sc520_wdt — if output appears, the vulnerable module is active
- Check dmesg for watchdog-related errors: dmesg | grep -i watchdog — look for timer or module-related warnings
- After patching, reboot and confirm the new kernel version: uname -r should show 5.13.4 or later
FAQ
What is CVE-2021-47323?
This CVE is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's SC520 watchdog driver where the timer handler may continue running after the driver is removed from memory, potentially leading to system crashes or code execution.
Is CVE-2021-47323 being actively exploited?
No, this vulnerability is not listed in CISA's KEV catalog and no public exploits are currently available, though it should still be patched due to its high severity and potential impact on system stability.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2021-47323?
Linux kernel versions 5.13.0 through 5.13.3 are vulnerable; kernel 5.13.4 and later contain the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2021-47323?
Run uname -r and check if the output is 5.13.0, 5.13.1, 5.13.2, or 5.13.3; also verify if the SC520 watchdog module is loaded with lsmod | grep sc520_wdt.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2021-47323?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If Kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2021-47323 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0015581a79bbf8e521f85dddb7d3e4a66b9f51d4
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2aef07017fae21c3d8acea9656b10e3b9c0f1e04
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/522e75ed63f67e815d4ec0deace67df22d9ce78e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/7c56c5508dc20a6b133bc669fc34327a6711c24c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/90b7c141132244e8e49a34a4c1e445cce33e07f4
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