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CVE Record

CVE-2021-47045: scsi: lpfc: Fix null pointer dereference in lpfc_prep_els_iocb()

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: scsi: lpfc: Fix null pointer dereference in lpfc_prep_els_iocb() It is possible to call lpfc_issue_els_plogi() passing a did for which no matching ndlp is found. A call is then made to lpfc_prep_els_iocb() with a null pointer to a lpfc_nodelist structure resulting in a null pointer dereference. Fix by returning an error status if no valid ndlp is found. Fix up comments regarding ndlp reference counting.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2021-47045 is a Linux kernel flaw in the lpfc SCSI driver. Under a specific error condition, the kernel could dereference a null pointer and fail. The source bundle does not provide CVSS, confirmed exploitation, or detailed attack prerequisites.

Executive priority

Treat this as a targeted kernel stability risk, not a confirmed emergency. Prioritize patch verification for storage-dependent Linux systems, especially where downtime would affect critical services.

Technical view

The flaw occurs when lpfc_issue_els_plogi() is called with a destination ID that has no matching lpfc_nodelist. lpfc_prep_els_iocb() then receives a null ndlp pointer, causing a null pointer dereference. Stable kernel commits add an error return when no valid ndlp is found.

Likely exposure

Exposure is likely limited to Linux systems running affected kernel versions with the lpfc SCSI driver path in use. The bundle lists Linux as affected, including 5.11, 5.11.21, 5.12.4, and 5.13, but does not provide complete environment prerequisites.

Exploitation context

No active exploitation is stated in the source bundle, and the CVE is not marked KEV. The available evidence describes a kernel null pointer dereference condition, not a public exploit or weaponized technique.

Researcher notes

The source evidence supports a null pointer dereference in lpfc_prep_els_iocb() due to a missing ndlp check. CVSS, CWE, exploitability, and exact affected version ranges are incomplete in the provided bundle.

Mitigation direction

  • Review the referenced Linux stable commits and vendor kernel advisories.
  • Update affected Linux kernels to versions containing the lpfc fix.
  • Prioritize systems using lpfc-backed storage paths or affected kernel branches.
  • Monitor distribution security channels for backported fixes and package names.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers and appliances.
  • Identify systems where the lpfc driver is loaded or required.
  • Compare installed kernels against vendor fixed versions or referenced commits.
  • Check kernel logs for lpfc-related crashes or null dereference symptoms.
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

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CVE-2021-47045 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
LinuxLinux4430f7fd09ecb037570119e0aacbf0c17b8f98b2, 4430f7fd09ecb037570119e0aacbf0c17b8f98b2, 4430f7fd09ecb037570119e0aacbf0c17b8f98b2unaffected
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.