CVE-2021-47560: linux kernel vulnerability

What is known

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: mlxsw: spectrum: Protect driver from buggy firmware When processing port up/down events generated by the device's firmware, the driver protects itself from events reported for non-existent local ports, but not the CPU port (local port 0), which exists, but lacks a netdev. This can result in a NULL pointer dereference when calling netif_carrier_{on,off}(). Fix this by bailing early when processing an event reported for the CPU port. Problem was only observed when running on top of a buggy emulator.

Business impact

Successful exploitation of CVE-2021-47560, 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
• Reference