CVE-2021-40490 : What You Need to Know

A race condition was discovered in ext4_write_inline_data_end in the ext4 subsystem in the Linux kernel through 5.13.13.

Understanding CVE-2021-40490

A race condition vulnerability has been identified in the Linux kernel, posing a security risk to affected systems.

What is CVE-2021-40490?

The CVE-2021-40490 vulnerability is a race condition issue found in ext4_write_inline_data_end in fs/ext4/inline.c within the Linux kernel up to version 5.13.13. This flaw could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges on a vulnerable system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40490

This vulnerability could allow a malicious actor to potentially gain unauthorized access, execute arbitrary code, or perform privilege escalation on affected systems. It poses a significant security risk to impacted environments.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40490

This section provides in-depth technical insights into the CVE-2021-40490 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in the ext4 subsystem of the Linux kernel, specifically in the ext4_write_inline_data_end function in fs/ext4/inline.c. It stems from a race condition, which could lead to exploitable security issues.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: N/A
Affected Versions: Up to Linux kernel version 5.13.13

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability involves leveraging the race condition in ext4_write_inline_data_end to execute unauthorized code or escalate privileges on the target system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2021-40490 vulnerability and enhance cybersecurity posture, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the appropriate patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers.
Monitor official sources for security advisories and updates regarding this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong access controls, least privilege principles, and robust network security measures.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely patching and updates for the Linux kernel to address security vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-40490.