CVE-2021-47367·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: virtio-net: fix pages leaking when building skb in big mode We try to use build_skb() if we had sufficient tailroom. But we forget to release the unused pages chained via private in big mode which will leak pages. Fixing this by release the pages after building the skb in big mode.
- Severity
- medium
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 5.14.9
- Published
- 2024-05-21
Affected versions
From: 5.13
Until: 5.14.9
Fixed in: 5.14.9
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 5.14.9 or later to resolve a memory leak vulnerability in virtio-net's SKB (socket buffer) construction. This vulnerability causes unused memory pages to be retained in big mode operations, potentially exhausting system memory over time. Apply the patch immediately if you are running kernels between 5.13 and 5.14.8.
sudo dnf update kernelDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Step 1: Check your running kernel version with `uname -r` and compare against the affected range (5.13.x to 5.14.8)
- Step 2: Verify virtio-net driver is in use with `lsmod | grep virtio_net` and check if your system runs virtualized workloads
- Step 3: Monitor system memory consumption over time using `free -h` repeatedly; memory leaks manifest as gradual increase in used memory without corresponding process growth
- Step 4: After patching, confirm the update with `uname -r` returning version 5.14.9 or later, and reboot if necessary
FAQ
What is CVE-2021-47367?
This is a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's virtio-net driver where unused pages are not properly released during socket buffer creation in big mode, leading to potential memory exhaustion on virtualized systems.
Is CVE-2021-47367 being actively exploited?
No, this vulnerability is not listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and no public exploits are available. However, it should still be patched due to its denial-of-service potential.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2021-47367?
Linux kernel versions 5.13.0 through 5.14.8 are vulnerable. The vulnerability was patched in kernel 5.14.9 and later releases.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2021-47367?
Run `uname -r` and check if the output shows a kernel version between 5.13 and 5.14.8. If you see 5.14.9 or 5.15+, your system is patched.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2021-47367?
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-2021-47367 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
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