CVE-2021-47218
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Description
A vulnerability was found in the Linux kernel, related to SELinux. This issue occurs when a hash table allocation fails during the hashtab_init() function. When this failure happens, the system leaves the hash table (h->size) initialized with a non-zero value, but the h->htable pointer remains null. This can result in a null pointer dereference when SELinux's policy database tries to use the hash table, relying on the assumption that it is valid. This situation can cause system crashes or unexpected behavior.
Statement
The fix for this issue ensures that even in the case of allocation failure, hashtab_init() leaves behind a valid empty hash table, preventing the null pointer dereference and improving the stability of SELinux in this context
Additional information
- Bugzilla 2274568: kernel: selinux: fix NULL-pointer dereference when hashtab allocation fails
- CWE-476: NULL Pointer Dereference
- FAQ: Frequently asked questions about CVE-2021-47218
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.
| Red Hat | NVD | |
|---|---|---|
CVSS v3 Base Score | 4.4 | 5.5 |
Attack Vector | Local | Local |
Attack Complexity | Low | Low |
Privileges Required | High | Low |
User Interaction | None | None |
Scope | Unchanged | Unchanged |
Confidentiality Impact | None | None |
Integrity Impact | None | None |
Availability Impact | High | High |
CVSS v3 Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
NULL pointer dereferences usually result in the failure of the process unless exception handling (on some platforms) is available and implemented. Even when exception handling is being used, it can still be very difficult to return the software to a safe state of operation.
Integrity,Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Read Memory; Modify Memory
In rare circumstances, when NULL is equivalent to the 0x0 memory address and privileged code can access it, then writing or reading memory is possible, which may lead to code execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Red Hat's CVSS v3 score or Impact different from other vendors?
My product is listed as "Under investigation" or "Affected", when will Red Hat release a fix for this vulnerability?
What can I do if my product is listed as "Will not fix"?
What can I do if my product is listed as "Fix deferred"?
What is a mitigation?
I have a Red Hat product but it is not in the above list, is it affected?
Why is my security scanner reporting my product as vulnerable to this vulnerability even though my product version is fixed or not affected?
My product is listed as "Out of Support Scope". What does this mean?
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