CVE-2021-3999: Buffer Overflow

Published Nov 18, 2021
·
Updated

A flaw was found in glibc. An off-by-one buffer overflow and underflow in getcwd() may lead to memory corruption when the size of the buffer is exactly 1. A local attacker who can control the input buffer and size passed to getcwd() in a setuid program could use this flaw to potentially execute arbitrary code and escalate their privileges on the system.

Other sources

A flaw was found in glibc. The getcwd() function is affected by an off-by-one buffer overflow and underflow that may lead to memory corruption when the size of the buffer is exactly 1 byte.

Red Hat

Affected Software

27 affected componentsFixes available
GNU glibc<2.31
Debian Debian Linux=10.0
Debian Debian Linux=11.0
NetApp E-series Performance Analyzer
NetApp Nfs Plug-in Vmware Vaai
NetApp ONTAP Select Deploy administration utility
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 H410s Firmware
NetApp H410s
All of the following
NetApp H410c Firmware
NetApp H410c
NetApp H300s Firmware
NetApp H300s
NetApp H500s Firmware
NetApp H500s
NetApp H700s Firmware
NetApp H700s
NetApp H410s Firmware
NetApp H410s
NetApp H410c Firmware
NetApp H410c
debian/glibc
2.31-13+deb11u112.31-13+deb11u132.36-9+deb12u132.36-9+deb12u72.41-122.42-6

Event History

Nov 18, 2021
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·02:42 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Aug 24, 2022
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:00 AM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
May 2, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·03:08 PM
Description
Sep 15, 2024
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·03:27 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Dec 20, 2025
Data Sourced
via Debian·09:08 PM
DescriptionAffected Software
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-3999?

CVE-2021-3999 is a vulnerability in glibc that allows for an off-by-one buffer overflow and underflow in getcwd(), leading to potential memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.

2

What is the severity of CVE-2021-3999?

CVE-2021-3999 has a severity rating of 7.8 (High).

3

How does CVE-2021-3999 affect glibc?

CVE-2021-3999 affects glibc versions 2.28-10+deb10u2, 2.31-13+deb11u6, 2.31-13+deb11u7, 2.36-9+deb12u2, 2.36-9+deb12u3, and 2.37-12.

4

What is the remedy for CVE-2021-3999 on Debian Debian Linux 10.0?

CVE-2021-3999 can be fixed on Debian Debian Linux 10.0 by updating glibc to version 2.31 or higher.

5

Are Netapp E-series Performance Analyzer and Netapp Nfs Plug-in affected by CVE-2021-3999?

Yes, Netapp E-series Performance Analyzer and Netapp Nfs Plug-in are affected by CVE-2021-3999.

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