CVE-2021-47035: iommu/vt-d: Remove WO permissions on second-level paging entries

Published Feb 28, 2024
·
Updated

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

iommu/vt-d: Remove WO permissions on second-level paging entries

When the first level page table is used for IOVA translation, it only supports Read-Only and Read-Write permissions. The Write-Only permission is not supported as the PRESENT bit (implying Read permission) should always set. When using second level, we still give separate permissions that allows WriteOnly which seems inconsistent and awkward. We want to have consistent behavior. After moving to 1st level, we don't want things to work sometimes, and break if we use 2nd level for the same mappings. Hence remove this configuration.

Affected Software

3 affected components
Linux Linux kernel>=5.6<5.10.37
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.11.21
Linux Linux kernel>=5.12<5.12.4

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Remove

    Remove iommu/vt-d: Remove WO permissions on second-level paging entries from your environment.

    Remove Write-Only (WO) permissions on second-level paging entries to make IOVA translation behave consistently when the first-level page table is used versus when second-level paging is used.

Event History

Feb 28, 2024
CVE Published
via MITRE·08:13 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·08:13 AM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·09:15 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-47035?

CVE-2021-47035 has been assigned a medium severity level due to its impact on system security.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-47035?

To fix CVE-2021-47035, update your Linux kernel to version 5.10.37 or later, or to 5.11.21 or later, or to 5.12.4 or later.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2021-47035?

CVE-2021-47035 affects versions of the Linux kernel from 5.6 up to 5.10.37, 5.11 up to 5.11.21, and 5.12 up to 5.12.4.

4

What is the nature of the vulnerability in CVE-2021-47035?

CVE-2021-47035 involves improper permission handling in second-level paging entries in the IOMMU subsystem of the Linux kernel.

5

Is there a workaround for CVE-2021-47035 if I can't update?

There are no known workarounds for CVE-2021-47035, so updating the Linux kernel is the recommended course of action.

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