CVE-2021-47556: ethtool: ioctl: fix potential NULL deref in ethtool_set_coalesce()

Published May 24, 2024
·
Updated

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

ethtool: ioctl: fix potential NULL deref in ethtoolsetcoalesce()

ethtoolsetcoalesce() now uses both the .getcoalesce() and .setcoalesce() callbacks. But the check for their availability is buggy, so changing the coalesce settings on a device where the driver provides only one of the callbacks results in a NULL pointer dereference instead of an -EOPNOTSUPP.

Fix the condition so that the availability of both callbacks is ensured. This also matches the netlink code.

Note that reproducing this requires some effort - it only affects the legacy ioctl path, and needs a specific combination of driver options: - have .getcoalesce() and .coalescesupported but no .setcoalesce(), or - have .setcoalesce() but no .getcoalesce(). Here eg. ethtool doesn't cause the crash as it first attempts to call ethtoolgetcoalesce() and bails out on error.

Affected Software

1 affected component
Linux Linux kernel>=5.15<5.15.6

Event History

May 24, 2024
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:09 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:09 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:15 PM
Description

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-47556?

CVE-2021-47556 has a medium severity rating due to the potential for NULL dereference.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-47556?

To fix CVE-2021-47556, update the Linux kernel to version 5.15.6 or higher.

3

Which versions of the Linux kernel are affected by CVE-2021-47556?

CVE-2021-47556 affects Linux kernel versions from 5.15 to below 5.15.6.

4

What component is impacted by CVE-2021-47556?

CVE-2021-47556 impacts the ethtool component of the Linux kernel.

5

Is CVE-2021-47556 a local or remote vulnerability?

CVE-2021-47556 is considered a local vulnerability, as it requires local access to the affected system.

Contact

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