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CVE Record

CVE-2021-47234: phy: phy-mtk-tphy: Fix some resource leaks in mtk_phy_init()

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: phy: phy-mtk-tphy: Fix some resource leaks in mtk_phy_init() Use clk_disable_unprepare() in the error path of mtk_phy_init() to fix some resource leaks.

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 resource-leak fix in the MediaTek T-PHY driver initialization path. The source describes cleanup missing after initialization errors, not a clearly demonstrated remote compromise path. Business urgency depends mainly on whether affected Linux kernels are used on MediaTek-based systems.

Executive priority

Treat this as a targeted kernel maintenance item, not an emergency, unless your fleet includes MediaTek-based Linux devices with affected kernels. Fold it into normal kernel patch governance and verify embedded-device coverage.

Technical view

CVE-2021-47234 addresses missing clk_disable_unprepare() calls in mtk_phy_init() error handling. The public record lists Linux kernel versions/commits as affected and references stable kernel fixes. No CVSS, CWE, exploit details, or active exploitation evidence are provided in the bundle.

Likely exposure

Exposure appears limited to Linux systems using affected kernel builds with the MediaTek T-PHY driver. Embedded, appliance, mobile, or SoC-based platforms are more plausible than generic servers. The source bundle does not prove reachability from remote users or unprivileged local users.

Exploitation context

The bundle contains no KEV listing and no cited source claiming exploitation in the wild. It describes a resource leak on an initialization error path, so operational impact is possible, but exploitability and attacker prerequisites are not established by the provided evidence.

Researcher notes

Evidence is sparse: the record names a resource leak fix but gives no CVSS, CWE, affected CPEs, exploitability analysis, or mitigation beyond upstream stable commits. Validation should focus on driver presence, kernel lineage, and vendor backport mapping.

Mitigation direction

  • Check Linux distribution or device vendor guidance for fixed kernel packages.
  • Prioritize review of systems using MediaTek T-PHY hardware or drivers.
  • Apply vendor-provided stable kernel updates that include the referenced fixes.
  • Reboot or cycle affected devices when required by the kernel update process.
  • Avoid inventing compensating controls; follow vendor guidance if patching is unavailable.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernel versions against the affected versions listed in the CVE bundle.
  • Identify systems or firmware builds that include the MediaTek T-PHY driver.
  • Compare kernel source or changelogs with the three referenced stable commits.
  • Confirm patched systems report the expected updated kernel package or build.
  • Record vendor advisory status where distribution backports obscure upstream version numbers.
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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ATT&CK lookup starting points

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CVE-2021-47234 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
LinuxLinux44a6d6ce6436a2b827c93ac59a6187af0c381a48, 44a6d6ce6436a2b827c93ac59a6187af0c381a48, 44a6d6ce6436a2b827c93ac59a6187af0c381a48unaffected
LinuxLinux4.14, 0, 5.10.46, 5.12.13, 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.