CVE-2021-47357·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: atm: iphase: fix possible use-after-free in ia_module_exit() 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
- 5.13.3
- Published
- 2024-05-21
Affected versions
From: 5.13
Until: 5.13.3
Fixed in: 5.13.3
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 5.13.3 or later to resolve this use-after-free vulnerability in the ATM iphase driver module. The vulnerability occurs when the driver's removal routine fails to properly synchronize timer cleanup, allowing the timer handler to access freed memory. Apply the kernel update through your distribution's package manager and reboot your system to activate the patched kernel.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Step 1: Check the installed kernel version with `uname -r` and compare against 5.13.3 or later
- Step 2: Verify if the ATM iphase driver is loaded by running `lsmod | grep iphase` — if output appears, the vulnerable component is present
- Step 3: Search kernel logs for timer-related crashes using `sudo dmesg | grep -i 'timer\|iphase\|use-after-free'` or check `/var/log/kern.log` for memory corruption errors
- Step 4: After kernel update and reboot, confirm the new version with `uname -r` and verify the iphase module still loads without errors using `sudo modprobe iphase && lsmod | grep iphase`
FAQ
What is CVE-2021-47357?
CVE-2021-47357 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ATM iphase driver where improper timer cleanup during module removal allows the timer handler to execute and access already-freed kernel memory, potentially causing system crashes or code execution.
Is CVE-2021-47357 being actively exploited?
No, CVE-2021-47357 is not listed as actively exploited in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, and no public exploits are currently available.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2021-47357?
Linux kernel versions 5.13 through 5.13.2 are affected; the vulnerability is fixed in kernel 5.13.3 and later stable releases.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2021-47357?
Run `uname -r` to check your kernel version — if it shows 5.13.0 through 5.13.2, your system is vulnerable. Additionally, run `lsmod | grep iphase` to confirm the ATM iphase driver is loaded.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2021-47357?
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-2021-47357 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1c72e6ab66b9598cac741ed397438a52065a8f1f
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/89ce0b0747f319eb70f85bc820dcc43cebbd5417
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9e161687855175334ca93c6c3ccb221731194479
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a832ee2f2145f57443b2d565f8cb5490e8339f42
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b58d246a058ae88484758cd4ab27b3180fd5ecf8
Track CVEs across your fleet automatically
Defensia scans your Linux servers and tells you exactly which ones are running vulnerable versions — including CVE-2021-47357. Free for 1 server.
Get started free