CVE-2021-46935: binder: fix async_free_space accounting for empty parcels
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
binder: fix async_free_space accounting for empty parcels
In 4.13, commit 74310e06be4d ("android: binder: Move buffer out of area shared with user space")
fixed a kernel structure visibility issue. As part of that patch,
sizeof(void *) was used as the buffer size for 0-length data payloads so
the driver could detect abusive clients sending 0-length asynchronous
transactions to a server by enforcing limits on async_free_size.
Unfortunately, on the "free" side, the accounting of async_free_space
did not add the sizeof(void *) back. The result was that up to 8-bytes of
async_free_space were leaked on every async transaction of 8-bytes or
less. These small transactions are uncommon, so this accounting issue
has gone undetected for several years.
The fix is to use "buffer_size" (the allocated buffer size) instead of
"size" (the logical buffer size) when updating the async_free_space
during the free operation. These are the same except for this
corner case of asynchronous transactions with payloads < 8 bytes.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This is a Linux kernel Binder accounting bug. Very small asynchronous Binder messages could gradually consume tracked async buffer space incorrectly. The source does not provide CVSS, confirmed impact, or exploitation evidence, so urgency depends on whether affected kernels with Binder are in use.
Executive priority
Treat as a validation and patch-management item rather than an emergency based on the supplied evidence. Escalate only for environments that run Binder-enabled affected kernels with untrusted local workloads.
Technical view
In Binder, async_free_space was decremented using the allocated buffer size for tiny payloads but later restored using the logical size. For async transactions of 8 bytes or less, this leaked up to 8 bytes of accounting per transaction. Fixed kernels restore async_free_space using buffer_size.
Likely exposure
Likely exposure is limited to systems running affected Linux kernel versions with Binder enabled and accessible to local Binder clients. The bundle lists affected Linux kernel versions including 4.14 through 5.16 ranges, but does not identify specific distributions or appliances.
Exploitation context
CISA KEV status is false, and the provided sources do not state active exploitation. The description indicates abusive clients could send tiny asynchronous transactions to affect Binder accounting, but no public exploit, privilege impact, or denial-of-service outcome is documented in the bundle.
Researcher notes
Key uncertainty is impact. The root cause and fix are clear, but the bundle lacks CVSS, CWE, exploit status, and distribution mappings. Researchers should focus on affected kernel lineage, Binder enablement, and whether local workload isolation changes risk.
Mitigation direction
Check whether deployed kernels include the referenced stable Binder fixes.
Prioritize systems where Binder is enabled and reachable by untrusted local code.
Apply vendor kernel updates that contain the stable fixes.
If no vendor package is available, follow vendor guidance for backport status.
Track distribution advisories because the source bundle does not name distro packages.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions and compare against vendor fixed releases.
Confirm whether Binder support is enabled in relevant kernel builds.
Review kernel changelogs for the cited Binder async_free_space fix.
Check vendor security advisories for CVE-2021-46935 mapping.
Document any systems where Binder is unused or unavailable.
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
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
cve · low confidence lookup
CVE-2021-46935 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
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.