CVE-2021-20317 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel involving a corrupted timer tree, leading to a denial of service vulnerability. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps related to CVE-2021-20317.

Understanding CVE-2021-20317

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2021-20317.

What is CVE-2021-20317?

CVE-2021-20317 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux Kernel version 5.3 rc1. It allows a local attacker with specific user privileges to exploit a flaw in the timerqueue_add function, resulting in a denial of service attack.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20317

The vulnerability enables an attacker to disrupt system functionality, potentially leading to a slowdown or complete system halt while running OSP.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20317

Explore the technical aspects of this CVE in detail.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw resides in the corrupted timer tree, specifically affecting the task wakeup, leading to its omission in the timerqueue_add function in lib/timerqueue.c.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running Kernel version 5.3 rc1 are vulnerable to this exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

A local attacker with special user privileges can trigger the vulnerability, resulting in a denial of service situation.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the measures to mitigate the impact of CVE-2021-20317.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply relevant security patches promptly and monitor system performance for any indications of a denial of service attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict user privilege management and regularly update the kernel to address known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates from the Linux distribution provider and apply patches as soon as they are available.