External risk intelligence

Linux Kernel Local Privilege Escalation Risk

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-22600

A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's networking component could allow a local user to escalate privileges or disrupt services. This impacts organizational systems and data, posing a risk of unauthorized access or service interruption.

1Halo Surface Signal

Netapp 8300 Firmware

4.14.175 to before 4.14.2594.19.114 to before 4.19.2225.4.29 to before 5.4.1685.5.14 to before 5.10.885.11 to before 5.15.119.010.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-22600

The vulnerability exists within the Linux kernel's local networking subsystem (AF_PACKET) and requires a local user to execute crafted syscalls on the system. It does not provide remote network reachability and is not exposed to the public internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability exists within the Linux kernel's networking component, specifically in the `af_packet.c` file. This flaw could allow a local user to elevate their privileges or disrupt system services. The impact can affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of organizational systems and data.

  • Vulnerable Linux kernel networking component.
  • Flaw allows privilege escalation or denial of service.
  • Impacts organizational systems and data.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's packet socket implementation allows a local user to trigger a double-free bug. By sending carefully crafted system calls, an attacker can exploit this flaw. Successful exploitation can lead to a denial-of-service condition or privilege escalation for the attacker.

  • Local user access required.
  • Attacker triggers syscalls.
  • Results in control or denial of service.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A local user could exploit a flaw in the Linux kernel's packet handling to escalate privileges or cause a denial of service. The vulnerability involves a double free bug in packet_set_ring() within the net/packet/af_packet.c file. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to gain elevated access or disrupt system operations.

  • Attacker with low skill level.
  • Requires local system access.
  • Business risk for privilege escalation.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges or cause a denial of service within affected systems. Organizations should prioritize identifying systems running vulnerable software versions to understand their potential exposure. Immediate steps should focus on mitigating risk and applying necessary fixes to protect against potential exploitation.

  • Identify exposed assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nature of the vulnerability in the Linux kernel's packet socket implementation?

The vulnerability is a double-free bug in the `packet_set_ring()` function within `net/packet/af_packet.c` in the Linux kernel. This flaw can be exploited by a local user through crafted system calls. The issue stems from how the kernel handles memory allocation and deallocation in its packet socket interface.

How can a local user exploit this Linux kernel vulnerability?

A local user can exploit this vulnerability by executing crafted system calls that trigger the double-free bug in the `packet_set_ring()` function. Successful exploitation can lead to privilege escalation, allowing the user to gain higher system permissions, or a denial-of-service, making the system unstable or inaccessible.

What systems are affected by the CVE-2021-22600 vulnerability?

This vulnerability affects various Linux kernel versions, including specific ranges within 4.14, 4.19, 5.4, 5.5 to 5.10, and 5.11 to 5.15. It also impacts Debian Linux versions 9 and 10, and NetApp firmware for products like the 8300, 8700, A400, C400, H410C, H300S, H500S, H700S, and H410S.

What is the threat advisory regarding CVE-2021-22600 and Halo Surface Signal?

Halo classifies this CVE as internal because its CVSS v3.1 attack vector is local. The vulnerability requires a local user to execute crafted syscalls and does not provide remote network reachability, meaning it is not exposed to the public internet.

What are the recommended practical responses for this Linux kernel vulnerability?

Organizations should prioritize identifying systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions. Recommended actions include applying necessary fixes by upgrading the kernel past affected versions or rebuilding past commit ec6af094ea28f0f2dda1a6a33b14cd57e36a9755. Additionally, reducing exposure by isolating affected systems and verifying that fixes have been applied and are functioning correctly is crucial.

References