Linux · Linux Kernel · CVE-2021-3178
**Name of the Vulnerable Software and Affected Versions**
Linux kernel versions through 5.10.8
**Description**
The issue is related to the fs/nfsd/nfs3xdr.c component in the Linux kernel, which allows remote attackers to traverse to other parts of the filesystem via READDIRPLUS when there is an NFS export of a subdirectory of a filesystem. Some parties argue that such a subdirectory export is not intended to prevent this attack, and it is also related to the exports(5) no subtree check default behavior.
**Recommendations**
For Linux kernel versions through 5.10.8, consider disabling the READDIRPLUS functionality as a temporary workaround until a patch is available. Restrict access to the vulnerable fs/nfsd/nfs3xdr.c component to minimize the risk of exploitation. Avoid using the NFS export of a subdirectory of a filesystem until the issue is resolved. At the moment, there is no information about a newer version that contains a fix for this vulnerability.