CVE-2021-47132: mptcp: fix sk_forward_memory corruption on retransmission
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
mptcp: fix sk_forward_memory corruption on retransmission
MPTCP sk_forward_memory handling is a bit special, as such field
is protected by the msk socket spin_lock, instead of the plain
socket lock.
Currently we have a code path updating such field without handling
the relevant lock:
__mptcp_retrans() -> __mptcp_clean_una_wakeup()
Several helpers in __mptcp_clean_una_wakeup() will update
sk_forward_alloc, possibly causing such field corruption, as reported
by Matthieu.
Address the issue providing and using a new variant of blamed function
which explicitly acquires the msk spin lock.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This is a Linux kernel bug in Multipath TCP memory accounting during retransmission. A missing lock can corrupt socket forwarding memory state. The sources do not provide CVSS, impact detail, or evidence of active exploitation, so urgency depends on whether exposed systems run affected kernels with MPTCP in use.
Executive priority
Track and remediate through normal kernel patch management, with higher priority for infrastructure using MPTCP. There is not enough source evidence to justify emergency action solely from this CVE.
Technical view
The flaw is in MPTCP handling of sk_forward_memory/sk_forward_alloc during retransmission. A path through __mptcp_retrans() to __mptcp_clean_una_wakeup() updated memory accounting without the msk socket spin lock. The fix adds and uses a variant that explicitly takes the required lock.
Likely exposure
Likely limited to Linux systems running affected 5.12/5.13-era kernels or listed vulnerable commits where MPTCP is enabled or used. Distribution backports may change exposure, so confirm against the vendor kernel package rather than upstream version alone.
Exploitation context
The provided sources do not state active exploitation, KEV listing, exploit availability, attacker prerequisites, or reachable attack paths. Treat this as a kernel reliability and memory corruption risk until vendor-specific advisories clarify impact.
Researcher notes
The record describes a concurrency bug in MPTCP memory accounting protected by the wrong lock discipline. The public bundle lacks CVSS, CWE, exploitability analysis, and operational impact details, so validation should focus on kernel provenance and MPTCP usage.
Mitigation direction
Apply Linux kernel updates containing the referenced MPTCP locking fix.
Check your Linux distribution advisory for backported fixed kernel packages.
Prioritize systems where MPTCP is enabled or operationally required.
If no update is available, follow vendor guidance for temporary risk reduction.
Validation and detection
Inventory running Linux kernel versions across affected assets.
Confirm whether MPTCP is enabled or used by workloads.
Map installed kernels to vendor advisories or the referenced stable commits.
Review kernel crash or instability reports on systems using MPTCP.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
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CVE-2021-47132 mapping review
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