CVE-2021-47542

What it is

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: qlogic: qlcnic: Fix a NULL pointer dereference in qlcnic_83xx_add_rings() In qlcnic_83xx_add_rings(), the indirect function of ahw->hw_ops->alloc_mbx_args will be called to allocate memory for cmd.req.arg, and there is a dereference of it in qlcnic_83xx_add_rings(), which could lead to a NULL pointer dereference on failure of the indirect function like qlcnic_83xx_alloc_mbx_args(). Fix this bug by adding a check of alloc_mbx_args(), this patch imitates the logic of mbx_cmd()'s failure handling. This bug was found by a static analyzer. The analysis employs differential checking to identify inconsistent security operations (e.g., checks or kfrees) between two code paths and confirms that the inconsistent operations are not recovered in the current function or the callers, so they constitute bugs. Note that, as a bug found by static analysis, it can be a false positive or hard to trigger. Multiple researchers have cross-reviewed the bug. Builds with CONFIG_QLCNIC=m show no new warnings, and our static analyzer no longer warns about this code.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2024-05-24 15:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 04:17 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2024-05-24 15:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 04:17 UTC

Exploit probability

0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-476 · NULL pointer dereference

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel < 4.4.294
• Linux Kernel < 4.9.292
• Linux Kernel < 4.14.257
• Linux Kernel < 4.19.220
• Linux Kernel < 5.4.164
• Linux Kernel < 5.10.84
• Linux Kernel < 5.15.7

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.5

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

High

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-2021-47542.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-47542. 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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