CVE-2021-29647 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel before 5.11.11 that allows attackers to obtain sensitive information from kernel memory due to a partially uninitialized data structure.

Understanding CVE-2021-29647

This vulnerability, also known as CID-50535249f624, affects the qrtr_recvmsg function in net/qrtr/qrtr.c in the Linux kernel.

What is CVE-2021-29647?

CVE-2021-29647 is a security flaw in the Linux kernel that enables attackers to access kernel memory to retrieve sensitive information. The vulnerability occurs due to incomplete initialization of a data structure.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29647

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to confidential data stored in the kernel memory. Attackers could potentially exploit this issue to undermine the security and integrity of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29647

The following technical aspects are associated with CVE-2021-29647:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in the qrtr_recvmsg function in net/qrtr/qrtr.c in the Linux kernel before version 5.11.11, allowing attackers to leak sensitive kernel memory information.

Affected Systems and Versions

All Linux kernel versions before 5.11.11 are affected by this vulnerability. Users are advised to update to the latest patch to mitigate the issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the partially uninitialized data structure to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in kernel memory.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-29647, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Linux kernel to version 5.11.11 or higher to eliminate the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs and network traffic for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security updates and patches to protect against potential vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address any security gaps.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial for system administrators and users to regularly apply security patches and updates provided by the Linux kernel maintainers to stay protected from known vulnerabilities.