CVE-2021-47394

CVE-2021-47394 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-416.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: netfilter: nf_tables: unlink table before deleting it syzbot reports following UAF: BUG: KASAN: use-after-free in memcmp+0x18f/0x1c0 lib/string.c:955 nla_strcmp+0xf2/0x130 lib/nlattr.c:836 nft_table_lookup.part.0+0x1a2/0x460 net/netfilter/nf_tables_api.c:570 nft_table_lookup net/netfilter/nf_tables_api.c:4064 [inline] nf_tables_getset+0x1b3/0x860 net/netfilter/nf_tables_api.c:4064 nfnetlink_rcv_msg+0x659/0x13f0 net/netfilter/nfnetlink.c:285 netlink_rcv_skb+0x153/0x420 net/netlink/af_netlink.c:2504 Problem is that all get operations are lockless, so the commit_mutex held by nft_rcv_nl_event() isn't enough to stop a parallel GET request from doing read-accesses to the table object even after synchronize_rcu(). To avoid this, unlink the table first and store the table objects in on-stack scratch space.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-47394?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: netfilter: nf_tables: unlink table before deleting it syzbot reports following UAF: BUG: KASAN: use-after-free in memcmp+0x18f/0x1c0 lib/string.c:955 nla_strcmp+0xf2/0x130 lib/nlattr.c:836 nft_table_lookup.part.0+0x1a2/0x460 net/netfilter/nf_tables_api.c:570 nft_table_lookup net/netfilter/nf_tables_api.c:4064 [inline] nf_tables_getset+0x1b3/0x860 net/netfilter/nf_tables_api.c:4064 nfnetlink_rcv_msg+0x659/0x13f0 net/netfilter/nfnetlink.c:285 netlink_rcv_skb+0x153/0x420 net/netlink/af_netlink.c:2504 Problem is that all get operations are lockless, so the commit_mutex held by nft_rcv_nl_event() isn't enough to stop a parallel GET request from doing read-accesses to the table object even after synchronize_rcu(). To avoid this, unlink the table first and store the table objects in on-stack scratch space.
How severe is CVE-2021-47394?
CVE-2021-47394 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-47394 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (14th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-47394?
CVE-2021-47394 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-47394?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2021-47394 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2021-47394 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2021-34399.
When was CVE-2021-47394 published?
CVE-2021-47394 was published on 2024-05-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

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