CVE-2021-47210: usb: typec: tipd: Remove WARN_ON in tps6598x_block_read
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
usb: typec: tipd: Remove WARN_ON in tps6598x_block_read
Calling tps6598x_block_read with a higher than allowed len can be
handled by just returning an error. There's no need to crash systems
with panic-on-warn enabled.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This Linux kernel issue can crash systems that treat kernel warnings as fatal. The described trigger is an oversized read length inside a USB Type-C TPS6598x driver path. The sources do not show data theft, privilege escalation, or active exploitation.
Executive priority
Treat as a targeted availability risk, not an emergency internet-wide issue. Patch through normal kernel maintenance, with higher priority for devices where unexpected reboot or downtime has operational impact.
Technical view
The fix removes a WARN_ON from tps6598x_block_read and returns an error when len exceeds the allowed size. On kernels configured with panic-on-warn, the prior behavior could turn a recoverable driver input error into a system panic.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to affected Linux kernels using the USB Type-C TPS6598x/TIPD driver path, especially where panic-on-warn is enabled. The provided data lists affected kernel ranges but does not identify specific distributions or appliances.
Exploitation context
The CVE is not marked KEV, and the source bundle provides no evidence of active exploitation or a public exploit. The practical impact described is denial of service through kernel panic under specific driver and configuration conditions.
Researcher notes
The public record lacks CVSS, CWE, exploitability detail, and distribution mapping. Analysis should focus on the exact driver call path, affected kernel backports, and whether any reachable input can cause an oversized tps6598x_block_read length.
Mitigation direction
Update to a kernel build containing the referenced stable fixes.
Check distribution or appliance vendor advisories for CVE-2021-47210.
Prioritize systems using USB Type-C PD controller hardware.
Review panic-on-warn policy with platform owners before changing it.
Validate USB Type-C behavior after kernel updates.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across affected fleets.
Confirm whether the TPS6598x/TIPD driver is present or used.
Verify vendor kernels include one of the referenced stable commits.
Check whether panic-on-warn is enabled on relevant systems.
Review post-update logs for USB Type-C driver errors.
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 · low confidence lookup
CVE-2021-47210 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
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