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CVE-2021-37600: An integer overflow in util-linux through 2.37.1 can potentially cause a buffer overflow if an attacker wer...

An integer overflow in util-linux through 2.37.1 can potentially cause a buffer overflow if an attacker were able to use system resources in a way that leads to a large number in the /proc/sysvipc/sem file. NOTE: this is unexploitable in GNU C Library environments, and possibly in all realistic environments.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysislow

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2021-37600 is a util-linux integer overflow tied to processing very large System V semaphore data. The CVE notes it is unexploitable in GNU C Library environments and possibly all realistic environments, so business urgency appears low, but affected Linux distributions should still take vendor security updates.

Executive priority

Low immediate urgency, normal patch-cycle priority. There is no cited evidence of active exploitation, and the CVE itself questions real-world exploitability. Still, util-linux is widely deployed, so unresolved scanner findings should be closed through standard Linux package updates and documented exception handling where vendors mark systems not affected.

Technical view

util-linux through 2.37.1 can overflow an integer when handling large values from /proc/sysvipc/sem, potentially leading to a buffer overflow. The reported condition depends on unusually large system resource data. Sources provide a fix reference and later distribution advisories, but no confirmed exploitation signal.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely on Linux systems with util-linux through 2.37.1, especially where distribution packages remained unpatched. The CVE explicitly reduces practical concern for GNU C Library environments. Asset owners should validate by installed package version and vendor advisory status, not by assuming all Linux hosts are exploitable.

Exploitation context

The source bundle does not show active exploitation, and KEV status is false. The CVE text says exploitation is not practical in GNU C Library environments and may be unrealistic generally. Treat this as a patch-management issue unless vendor guidance for a deployed platform says otherwise.

Researcher notes

The key research caveat is the CVE note: unexploitable in GNU C Library environments and possibly all realistic environments. Focus validation on package lineage, libc environment, and whether vendor backports address the integer overflow. Do not infer exploitability from the affected version alone.

Mitigation direction

  • Inventory util-linux package versions across Linux assets.
  • Apply vendor-provided util-linux security updates where available.
  • Prioritize systems running util-linux through 2.37.1.
  • Check distribution advisories before applying source-level changes.
  • Track NetApp, Gentoo, Debian, and OS vendor guidance.

Validation and detection

  • Confirm each system's installed util-linux version and vendor package release.
  • Verify whether the platform uses GNU C Library.
  • Check vulnerability scanner findings against vendor advisory applicability.
  • Confirm patched package deployment through configuration or asset management records.
  • Review Linux distribution security notices for backported fixes.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
7

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
6Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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