CVE-2021-29264 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

An in-depth look at CVE-2021-29264, a vulnerability found in the Linux kernel affecting versions up to 5.11.10.

Understanding CVE-2021-29264

This CVE identifies a flaw in the Freescale Gianfar Ethernet driver within the Linux kernel, leading to system crashes under specific conditions.

What is CVE-2021-29264?

CVE-2021-29264 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel where attackers can trigger a system crash by exploiting a negative fragment size calculation in the Gianfar Ethernet driver.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29264

The vulnerability allows attackers to cause system crashes when dealing with jumbo packets and an rx queue overrun scenario, potentially leading to denial-of-service situations.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29264

An in-depth analysis of the vulnerability, its affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from incorrect fragment size calculations in the Gianfar Ethernet driver, impacting the stability of the system under certain conditions.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions up to 5.11.10 that utilize the Freescale Gianfar Ethernet driver.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating rx queue overruns and jumbo packets with NAPI enabled, causing negative fragment size calculations and subsequent system crashes.

Mitigation and Prevention

Effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-29264 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security patches promptly and monitor for any signs of system instability or crashes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating robust network security measures, regular system updates, and monitoring for emerging vulnerabilities can enhance long-term security.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by Linux kernel maintainers and promptly apply patches to address CVE-2021-29264.