CVE-2021-47297: net: fix uninit-value in caif_seqpkt_sendmsg
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net: fix uninit-value in caif_seqpkt_sendmsg
When nr_segs equal to zero in iovec_from_user, the object
msg->msg_iter.iov is uninit stack memory in caif_seqpkt_sendmsg
which is defined in ___sys_sendmsg. So we cann't just judge
msg->msg_iter.iov->base directlly. We can use nr_segs to judge
msg in caif_seqpkt_sendmsg whether has data buffers.
=====================================================
BUG: KMSAN: uninit-value in caif_seqpkt_sendmsg+0x693/0xf60 net/caif/caif_socket.c:542
Call Trace:
__dump_stack lib/dump_stack.c:77 [inline]
dump_stack+0x1c9/0x220 lib/dump_stack.c:118
kmsan_report+0xf7/0x1e0 mm/kmsan/kmsan_report.c:118
__msan_warning+0x58/0xa0 mm/kmsan/kmsan_instr.c:215
caif_seqpkt_sendmsg+0x693/0xf60 net/caif/caif_socket.c:542
sock_sendmsg_nosec net/socket.c:652 [inline]
sock_sendmsg net/socket.c:672 [inline]
____sys_sendmsg+0x12b6/0x1350 net/socket.c:2343
___sys_sendmsg net/socket.c:2397 [inline]
__sys_sendmmsg+0x808/0xc90 net/socket.c:2480
__compat_sys_sendmmsg net/compat.c:656 [inline]
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2021-47297 is a Linux kernel flaw in the CAIF socket path. A local low-privileged user could trigger unstable kernel behavior that mainly threatens system availability, not data theft. It is not listed as CISA KEV, and the provided sources do not show active exploitation.
Executive priority
Treat as a routine but real kernel availability risk. Prioritize patching multi-user and shared workload systems, then fold remaining assets into normal kernel maintenance.
Technical view
The bug is an uninitialized-value use in caif_seqpkt_sendmsg when iovec_from_user receives zero segments. The vulnerable path can inspect uninitialized msg_iter.iov stack memory. Upstream Linux stable commits fix the logic by using nr_segs to determine whether user data buffers exist.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to Linux systems running affected kernel versions with the CAIF socket code reachable by local users or local workloads. Remote-only exposure is not supported by the provided CVSS vector or sources.
Exploitation context
The CVSS vector is local, low complexity, low privileges, no user interaction, with high availability impact and no confidentiality or integrity impact. The source bundle states KEV is false and provides no evidence of public exploitation.
Researcher notes
The provided record identifies the vulnerable function, KMSAN evidence, CVSS 5.5, affected Linux versions, and upstream stable commits. It does not provide exploit proof, distribution package mappings, or non-upstream mitigation guidance.
Mitigation direction
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, endpoints, appliances, and container hosts.
Apply vendor-supported kernel updates containing the referenced upstream stable fixes.
Check distribution advisories for exact package versions, reboot requirements, and backport status.
Prioritize shared systems where untrusted users or workloads can execute locally.
Validation and detection
Confirm running kernels are outside the affected ranges or include the upstream fix commits.
Verify vendor kernel packages map to the fixed Linux stable releases or backports.
Review local access models for systems allowing untrusted users, containers, or workloads.
Track reboot completion because kernel package installation alone may not activate the fix.
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 · low confidence lookup
CVE-2021-47297 mapping review
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We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.