CVE-2021-28715: 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

5 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel<5.15.0
Debian Debian Linux=9.0
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-2021-28715?

CVE-2021-28715 is classified as a high-severity vulnerability due to its potential impact on kernel memory management.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-28715?

To remediate CVE-2021-28715, update the Linux kernel to one of the fixed versions as specified in your distribution's security announcements.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2021-28715?

CVE-2021-28715 affects multiple Debian GNU/Linux versions including 9.0, 10.0, and 11.0, as well as the Linux kernel up to version 5.15.0.

4

What is the exploit mechanism for CVE-2021-28715?

CVE-2021-28715 can be exploited by a guest OS manipulating incoming data packets through the Linux netback driver.

5

Are there any workarounds for CVE-2021-28715?

There are no known effective workarounds for CVE-2021-28715, so users are advised to apply the necessary kernel updates.

Contact

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