How severe is CVE-2021-3659?

CVE-2021-3659 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-3659 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (18th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-3659?

CVE-2021-3659 primarily affects Redhat Enterprise Linux. In total, 16 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-3659?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2021-3659 published?

CVE-2021-3659 was published on 2022-08-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-3659

CVE-2021-3659 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Redhat Enterprise Linux with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-476.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 5.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (18th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-476
Affected product: Redhat Enterprise Linux
Published: 2022-08-22
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A NULL pointer dereference flaw was found in the Linux kernel’s IEEE 802.15.4 wireless networking subsystem in the way the user closes the LR-WPAN connection. This flaw allows a local user to crash the system. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to system availability.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-3659?: A NULL pointer dereference flaw was found in the Linux kernel’s IEEE 802.15.4 wireless networking subsystem in the way the user closes the LR-WPAN connection. This flaw allows a local user to crash the system. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to system availability.
How severe is CVE-2021-3659?: CVE-2021-3659 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-3659 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (18th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-3659?: CVE-2021-3659 primarily affects Redhat Enterprise Linux. In total, 16 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-3659?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2021-3659 published?: CVE-2021-3659 was published on 2022-08-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (16)

cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:fedoraproject:fedora:34:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux:7.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_for_ibm_z_systems:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_for_ibm_z_systems_eus:8.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_for_power_little_endian_eus:8.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_for_real_time:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_for_real_time_for_nfv:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_for_real_time_for_nfv_tus:8.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_for_real_time_tus:8.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_server_aus:8.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_server_eus:8.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:enterprise_linux_server_tus:8.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:redhat:codeready_linux_builder:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:redhat:virtualization_host:4.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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