#VU61998 Buffer overflow in Linux kernel - CVE-2021-39802

Vulnerability identifier: #VU61998

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 5.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-39802

CWE-ID: CWE-119

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Linux kernel
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Linux Foundation

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error in Scudo memory allocator  in Linux kernel. A local user can trigger memory corruption and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: All versions

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External links
https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2022-04-01#details-05
https://android.googlesource.com/kernel/common/+/ac4488815518c
https://android.googlesource.com/kernel/common/+/b44e46bb047d1
https://android.googlesource.com/kernel/common/+/67d075d23a8bc
https://android.googlesource.com/kernel/common/+/6f9aba5a20b84

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.