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CVE Record

CVE-2021-47039: ataflop: potential out of bounds in do_format()

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ataflop: potential out of bounds in do_format() The function uses "type" as an array index: q = unit[drive].disk[type]->queue; Unfortunately the bounds check on "type" isn't done until later in the function. Fix this by moving the bounds check to the start.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This is a Linux kernel flaw in the Atari floppy driver. A formatting path could use an unchecked value as an array index before confirming it is valid, creating a potential out-of-bounds access. The sources do not provide CVSS, observed exploitation, or impact details beyond the kernel fix description.

Executive priority

Handle through normal kernel patch management unless the organization uses legacy Atari floppy functionality or permits local users on affected systems. The urgency is constrained by missing severity, impact, and exploitation evidence.

Technical view

In ataflop do_format(), type was used in unit[drive].disk[type]->queue before the bounds check occurred. The kernel fix moved the type bounds check to the start of the function. The bundle identifies Linux as affected and references stable kernel commits, but version-range detail is incomplete.

Likely exposure

Exposure appears limited to Linux systems with the vulnerable ataflop driver code reachable. Practical exposure depends on kernel version, whether the driver is built or loaded, and whether users can reach floppy formatting functionality. The bundle does not identify affected distributions or configurations.

Exploitation context

No active exploitation is stated. The CVE is not marked KEV, and the provided sources do not describe public exploitation, weaponization, or attack prerequisites. Treat exploitability and impact as unconfirmed from this bundle alone.

Researcher notes

The key bug class is unchecked array indexing in a kernel driver formatting path. The source evidence supports the code-level fix but not a CVSS score, CWE, exploit status, distribution mapping, or complete affected-version interpretation.

Mitigation direction

  • Review vendor kernel advisories for the exact fixed package version.
  • Upgrade to a kernel containing the referenced stable fixes.
  • Disable or remove unused ataflop support where operationally feasible.
  • Prioritize systems exposing legacy removable-media functionality to local users.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernel versions across managed assets.
  • Check whether ataflop support is built, loaded, or available.
  • Confirm vendor packages include the referenced kernel fix commits.
  • Document any systems that cannot be updated promptly.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
5

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

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

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CVE-2021-47039 mapping review

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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
3Timeline events
2ADP providers
4Source links

SSVC decision data

CISA-ADPCISA Coordinator
Timestamp
Version
2.0.3
Exploitation: noneAutomatable: noTechnical Impact: partial

Vulnerability timeline

Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.

  1. CVE reservedCVE Program

    The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.

  2. CVE publishedCVE Program

    The CVE record was published.

  3. CVE updatedCVE Program

    The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.

ADP provider summaries

CISA-ADPCISA ADP Vulnrichment
other:ssvc
CVECVE Program Container

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinuxbf9c0538e485b591a2ee02d9adb8a99db4be5a2a, bf9c0538e485b591a2ee02d9adb8a99db4be5a2a, bf9c0538e485b591a2ee02d9adb8a99db4be5a2aunaffected
LinuxLinux5.11, 0, 5.11.21, 5.12.4, 5.13affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.