Linux Kernel up to 5.16.2 fs/f2fs/gc.c gc_data_segment null pointer dereference

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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3.4$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability categorized as problematic has been discovered in Linux Kernel up to 5.16.2. The affected element is the function gc_data_segment of the file fs/f2fs/gc.c. Executing a manipulation can lead to null pointer dereference. This vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2021-44879. No exploit exists. It is advisable to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 5.16.2 (Operating System). It has been declared as problematic. This vulnerability affects the function gc_data_segment of the file fs/f2fs/gc.c. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a null pointer dereference vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-476. A NULL pointer dereference occurs when the application dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid, but is NULL, typically causing a crash or exit. As an impact it is known to affect availability.

The weakness was disclosed 02/14/2022. The advisory is shared for download at bugzilla.kernel.org. This vulnerability was named CVE-2021-44879 since 12/13/2021. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available.

The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 236676 (Alibaba Cloud Linux 3 : 0029: cloud-kernel bugfix, enhancement and (ALINUX3-SA-2022:0029)), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

Upgrading to version 5.16.3 eliminates this vulnerability. The upgrade is hosted for download at cdn.kernel.org. Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at git.kernel.org. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at Tenable (236676). Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

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Version

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Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 3.5
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 3.4

VulDB Base Score: 3.5
VulDB Temp Score: 3.4
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Null pointer dereference
CWE: CWE-476 / CWE-404
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Partially

Availability: 🔍
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Nessus ID: 236676
Nessus Name: Alibaba Cloud Linux 3 : 0029: cloud-kernel bugfix, enhancement and (ALINUX3-SA-2022:0029)

Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔍

Upgrade: Kernel 5.16.3
Patch: git.kernel.org

Timelineinfo

12/13/2021 🔍
02/14/2022 +63 days 🔍
02/14/2022 +0 days 🔍
05/18/2025 +1189 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: kernel.org

Advisory: bugzilla.kernel.org
Status: Confirmed
Confirmation: 🔍

CVE: CVE-2021-44879 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2021-44879
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-193012

Entryinfo

Created: 02/14/2022 16:57
Updated: 05/18/2025 16:20
Changes: 02/14/2022 16:57 (44), 02/17/2022 13:34 (1), 05/18/2025 16:20 (16)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.

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