CVE-2021-47324·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: watchdog: Fix possible use-after-free in wdt_startup() 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 this use-after-free vulnerability in the watchdog timer driver. The vulnerability occurs when the driver's removal process doesn't properly synchronize timer cleanup, allowing the timer handler to access freed memory. Immediate patching is recommended for systems running affected kernel versions 5.13.0 through 5.13.3.
sudo dnf update kernel && sudo rebootDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Check the current kernel version: uname -r | grep -E '5\.13\.[0-3]' && echo 'VULNERABLE' || echo 'Not affected'
- Verify watchdog driver is loaded: lsmod | grep -i watchdog && echo 'Watchdog module active'
- Search kernel logs for timer-related errors: dmesg | grep -i 'watchdog\|timer\|use.after.free' | tail -20
- Confirm patch application after update: uname -r | grep -E '5\.13\.4|5\.14|5\.15' && echo 'Patched'
FAQ
What is CVE-2021-47324?
CVE-2021-47324 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's watchdog timer driver that occurs when the driver is unloaded without properly waiting for the timer handler to complete execution, allowing memory access violations.
Is CVE-2021-47324 being actively exploited?
No, CVE-2021-47324 is not currently listed on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, and no public exploits are available.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2021-47324?
Linux kernel versions 5.13.0 through 5.13.3 are vulnerable. Version 5.13.4 and all later kernel versions include the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2021-47324?
Run `uname -r` to display your kernel version and check if it falls within the 5.13.0-5.13.3 range. Additionally, verify if the watchdog module is loaded with `lsmod | grep watchdog`.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2021-47324?
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-2021-47324 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0ac50a76cf3cd63db000648b3b19f3f98b8aaa76
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/146cc288fb80c662c9c35e7bc58325d1ac0a7875
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/63a3dc24bd053792f84cb4eef0168b1266202a02
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/862f2b5a7c38762ac9e369daefbf361a91aca685
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8adbbe6c86bb13e14f8a19e036ae5f4f5661fd90
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