Linux · Linux Kernel · CVE-2021-47507
Name of the Vulnerable Software and Affected Versions:
Linux kernel versions prior to 5.4.144
Description:
The issue is related to a NULL pointer dereference in the Linux kernel's nfsd component. This can lead to a denial of service. The problem arises from a race condition between the `rpc pipefs event()` function and the registration of `nfsd net id` by `register pernet subsys()`. The crash occurs due to an inability to handle a kernel NULL pointer dereference at a specific virtual address. Technical details include the involvement of `rpc pipefs event()`, `blocking notifier call chain`, and other functions like `rpc fill super`, `get tree keyed`, and `ksys mount`. The `rpc pipefs event()` function is a key part of the issue, and the crash info points to a problem at virtual address 0000000000000012.
Recommendations:
To resolve the issue, update the Linux kernel to a version that includes the fix for the nfsd startup race condition, specifically the commit bb7ffbf29e76 that addresses the issue by restoring the order of `register pernet subsys()` vs `register cld notifier()` and adding a `WARN ON()` to prevent future regressions.
At the moment, there is no information about a newer version that contains a fix for this vulnerability.