CVE-2021-34866: Linux Kernel eBPF Type Confusion Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Published Sep 2, 2021
·
Updated

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel, where a type confusion problem in checkmapfunccompatibility() may lead to free arbitrary kernel memory.

Reference: https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/bpf/bpf.git/commit/?id=5b029a32cfe4600f5e10e36b41778506b90fd4de https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-1148/

Other sources

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Linux Kernel 5.14-rc3. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the handling of eBPF programs. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied eBPF programs, which can result in a type confusion condition. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the kernel. Was ZDI-CAN-14689.

— MITRE

Affected Software

36 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel>=5.8<5.10.62
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.13.14
NetApp H410c Firmware
NetApp H410c
NetApp H300s Firmware
NetApp H300s
NetApp H500s Firmware
NetApp H500s
NetApp H700s Firmware
NetApp H700s
NetApp H300e Firmware
NetApp H300e
NetApp H500e Firmware
NetApp H500e
NetApp H700e Firmware
NetApp H700e
NetApp H410s Firmware
NetApp H410s
redhat/Kernel<5.14
5.14
Linux Kernel
All of the following
NetApp H410c Firmware
NetApp H410c
All of the following
NetApp H300s Firmware
NetApp H300s
All of the following
NetApp H500s Firmware
NetApp H500s
All of the following
NetApp H700s Firmware
NetApp H700s
All of the following
NetApp H300e Firmware
NetApp H300e
All of the following
NetApp H500e Firmware
NetApp H500e
All of the following
NetApp H700e Firmware
NetApp H700e
All of the following
NetApp H410s Firmware
NetApp H410s

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade redhat/Kernel to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.14
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade Linux Kernel (eBPF) to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 5.14-rc3Patch ZDI-CAN-14689
  3. Compensating control

    Apply mitigations for local exploitation of the Linux Kernel eBPF type confusion vulnerability (ZDI-CAN-14689 / ZDI-21-1148), as described by ZDI-21-1148, to reduce risk until a fixed kernel is deployed.

Event History

Sep 2, 2021
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·08:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Oct 13, 2021
Advisory Published
via ZDI·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via ZDI·12:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jan 25, 2022
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:30 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:30 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-34866?

CVE-2021-34866 is a vulnerability in the Linux Kernel that allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations.

2

What is the severity of CVE-2021-34866?

CVE-2021-34866 has a severity value of 8.8, which is considered high.

3

Which software versions are affected by CVE-2021-34866?

CVE-2021-34866 affects Linux Kernel versions 5.8 to 5.10.62, and versions 5.11 to 5.13.14.

4

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2021-34866?

To exploit CVE-2021-34866, an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2021-34866?

You can find more information about CVE-2021-34866 at the following references: [ZDI-21-1148](https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-21-1148/) and [Netapp Advisory](https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20220217-0008/).

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203