CVE-2021-47125: linux kernel vulnerability

What is known

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: sch_htb: fix refcount leak in htb_parent_to_leaf_offload The commit ae81feb7338c ("sch_htb: fix null pointer dereference on a null new_q") fixes a NULL pointer dereference bug, but it is not correct. Because htb_graft_helper properly handles the case when new_q is NULL, and after the previous patch by skipping this call which creates an inconsistency : dev_queue->qdisc will still point to the old qdisc, but cl->parent->leaf.q will point to the new one (which will be noop_qdisc, because new_q was NULL). The code is based on an assumption that these two pointers are the same, so it can lead to refcount leaks. The correct fix is to add a NULL pointer check to protect qdisc_refcount_inc inside htb_parent_to_leaf_offload.

Business impact

Successful exploitation of CVE-2021-47125, a medium vulnerability (CVSS 5.5) 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
• Reference
• Reference