CVE-2021-28714: Medium severity linux kernel vulnerability

Published Jan 6, 2022
·
Updated

Guest can force Linux netback driver to hog large amounts of kernel memory T[his CNA information record relates to multiple CVEs; the text explains which aspects/vulnerabilities correspond to which CVE.] Incoming data packets for a guest in the Linux kernel's netback driver are buffered until the guest is ready to process them. There are some measures taken for avoiding to pile up too much data, but those can be bypassed by the guest: There is a timeout how long the client side of an interface can stop consuming new packets before it is assumed to have stalled, but this timeout is rather long (60 seconds by default). Using a UDP connection on a fast interface can easily accumulate gigabytes of data in that time. (CVE-2021-28715) The timeout could even never trigger if the guest manages to have only one free slot in its RX queue ring page and the next package would require more than one free slot, which may be the case when using GSO, XDP, or software hashing. (CVE-2021-28714)

Affected Software

4 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel<5.15.0
Debian Debian Linux=10.0
Debian Debian Linux=11.0
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-16.12.27-1

Event History

Jan 6, 2022
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:06 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:06 PM
DescriptionWeakness
Jan 11, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·11:56 PM
Description
Apr 28, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·04:26 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-28714?

CVE-2021-28714 has a medium severity rating due to its potential to exhaust kernel memory resources.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-28714?

To fix CVE-2021-28714, update your Linux kernel to versions 5.10.223-1, 5.10.226-1, 6.1.123-1, 6.1.119-1, 6.12.10-1, or 6.12.11-1.

3

What types of systems are affected by CVE-2021-28714?

CVE-2021-28714 affects systems running specific versions of the Linux kernel and Debian GNU/Linux 10.0 and 11.0.

4

Is CVE-2021-28714 remotely exploitable?

Yes, CVE-2021-28714 can be exploited remotely by sending a large number of incoming data packets to a guest.

5

What are the potential impacts of CVE-2021-28714?

The impact of CVE-2021-28714 includes possible system instability and denial of service due to excessive kernel memory consumption.

Contact

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