CVE-2021-47527: serial: core: fix transmit-buffer reset and memleak
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
serial: core: fix transmit-buffer reset and memleak
Commit 761ed4a94582 ("tty: serial_core: convert uart_close to use
tty_port_close") converted serial core to use tty_port_close() but
failed to notice that the transmit buffer still needs to be freed on
final close.
Not freeing the transmit buffer means that the buffer is no longer
cleared on next open so that any ioctl() waiting for the buffer to drain
might wait indefinitely (e.g. on termios changes) or that stale data can
end up being transmitted in case tx is restarted.
Furthermore, the buffer of any port that has been opened would leak on
driver unbind.
Note that the port lock is held when clearing the buffer pointer due to
the ldisc race worked around by commit a5ba1d95e46e ("uart: fix race
between uart_put_char() and uart_shutdown()").
Also note that the tty-port shutdown() callback is not called for
console ports so it is not strictly necessary to free the buffer page
after releasing the lock (cf. d72402145ace ("tty/serial: do not free
trasnmit buffer page under port lock")).
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This Linux kernel issue affects serial port handling. A transmit buffer was not freed on final close, which could leave old data for later transmission, cause some operations to wait indefinitely, or leak memory after driver unbind. The sources do not provide CVSS, attack vector, or active exploitation evidence.
Executive priority
Treat as a targeted kernel maintenance issue, not an internet-scale emergency based on available evidence. Prioritize patching where serial ports support operations, embedded devices, appliances, or management consoles.
Technical view
A serial_core change to use tty_port_close() missed freeing the UART transmit buffer on final close. Consequences described by the kernel source include uncleared buffers on reopen, ioctl waits for drain that may hang, stale transmitted data if TX restarts, and leaked buffers for opened ports on driver unbind.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most likely on Linux systems running affected kernel branches that use serial or UART ports. The provided affected data references Linux 4.9, 4.14, 4.19, 5.4, 5.10, 5.15, and 5.16 ranges, but distribution backports require vendor confirmation.
Exploitation context
The bundle does not show KEV listing, public exploitation, or a remote attack path. The described impacts are operational reliability, stale data transmission, and kernel memory leakage tied to serial port lifecycle handling.
Researcher notes
The evidence is limited to the CVE record and upstream stable fix references. No CWE, CVSS, exploit status, or distribution package matrix is included. Avoid assuming exploitability beyond the stated serial buffer lifecycle impacts.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor kernel updates containing the stable serial_core fixes.
Confirm distribution backports instead of relying only on upstream version numbers.
Prioritize systems using serial consoles, UART devices, or serial-connected operational hardware.
Monitor vendor advisories for branch-specific fixed package versions.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across systems using serial or UART ports.
Check whether installed kernel packages include the linked stable commits or vendor backports.
Review logs for serial port hangs, termios change stalls, or driver unbind issues.
Validate patched kernels in staging with representative serial device workflows.
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-2021-47527 mapping review
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