CVE-2021-3178: Path Traversal

Published Jan 19, 2021
·
Updated

DISPUTED fs/nfsd/nfs3xdr.c in the Linux kernel through 5.10.8, when there is an NFS export of a subdirectory of a filesystem, allows remote attackers to traverse to other parts of the filesystem via READDIRPLUS. NOTE: some parties argue that such a subdirectory export is not intended to prevent this attack; see also the exports(5) nosubtreecheck default behavior.

Affected Software

4 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel<=5.10.8
Fedoraproject Fedora=33
Debian Debian Linux=9.0
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-16.12.27-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.10.223-1Fixed in 5.10.234-1Fixed in 6.1.129-1Fixed in 6.1.135-1Fixed in 6.12.25-1Fixed in 6.12.27-1

Event History

Jan 19, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·06:44 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·06:44 AM
Description
Disputed
07:15 AM
Data Sourced
via NVD·07:15 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
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-2021-3178?

CVE-2021-3178 is considered a moderate severity vulnerability that can allow remote attackers to traverse the filesystem.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-3178?

To remediate CVE-2021-3178, update the Linux kernel to version 5.10.223-1, 5.10.226-1 or later.

3

What software is affected by CVE-2021-3178?

CVE-2021-3178 affects the Linux kernel up to version 5.10.8 and specific distributions like Fedora 33 and Debian 9.0.

4

Can CVE-2021-3178 be exploited remotely?

Yes, CVE-2021-3178 can be exploited remotely via the READDIRPLUS functionality in NFS exports.

5

Is this vulnerability still a concern if I am using a patched version?

If you are using a patched version of the Linux kernel, the concerns related to CVE-2021-3178 should be mitigated.

Contact

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