CVE-2021-46971

What it is

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: perf/core: Fix unconditional security_locked_down() call Currently, the lockdown state is queried unconditionally, even though its result is used only if the PERF_SAMPLE_REGS_INTR bit is set in attr.sample_type. While that doesn't matter in case of the Lockdown LSM, it causes trouble with the SELinux's lockdown hook implementation. SELinux implements the locked_down hook with a check whether the current task's type has the corresponding "lockdown" class permission ("integrity" or "confidentiality") allowed in the policy. This means that calling the hook when the access control decision would be ignored generates a bogus permission check and audit record. Fix this by checking sample_type first and only calling the hook when its result would be honored.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2024-02-27 19:04 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 04:16 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 3.3 LOW (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2024-02-27 19:04 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 04:16 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 5.4.117
• Linux Kernel < 5.10.35
• Linux Kernel < 5.11.19
• Linux Kernel < 5.12.2

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 3.3

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

Low

Availability

None

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2021-46971.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-46971. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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