CVE-2021-46953: linux kernel vulnerability

What is known

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ACPI: GTDT: Don't corrupt interrupt mappings on watchdow probe failure When failing the driver probe because of invalid firmware properties, the GTDT driver unmaps the interrupt that it mapped earlier. However, it never checks whether the mapping of the interrupt actially succeeded. Even more, should the firmware report an illegal interrupt number that overlaps with the GIC SGI range, this can result in an IPI being unmapped, and subsequent fireworks (as reported by Dann Frazier). Rework the driver to have a slightly saner behaviour and actually check whether the interrupt has been mapped before unmapping things.

Business impact

Successful exploitation of CVE-2021-46953, a medium vulnerability (CVSS 6.7) affecting linux kernel, may affect the confidentiality, integrity or availability of the vulnerable environment. The exact impact depends on the installed version, exposed interfaces and deployment configuration.

Recommended administrator action

Confirm whether linux kernel is present and compare installed versions with the vendor advisory and NVD record. Apply the vendor patch or documented mitigation; until remediation is complete, reduce exposure of affected interfaces, review relevant logs and monitor for indicators of exploitation. DataHouse can support version verification, managed patching, network exposure reduction, log review and backup validation for dedicated, cloud and colocated environments.

Sources

• NVD
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