CVE-2021-38200

Name: CVE-2021-38200
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-08-08T20:15:07.11+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 5.5/10EPSS 0.26%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-38200 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 5.5/10 on the CVSS scale. arch/powerpc/perf/core-book3s.c in the Linux kernel before 5.12.13, on systems with perf_event_paranoid=-1 and no specific PMU driver support registered, allows local users to cause a denial of service (perf_instruction_pointer NULL pointer dereference and OOPS) via a "perf record" command.. EPSS estimates a 0.26% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

arch/powerpc/perf/core-book3s.c in the Linux kernel before 5.12.13, on systems with perf_event_paranoid=-1 and no specific PMU driver support registered, allows local users to cause a denial of service (perf_instruction_pointer NULL pointer dereference and OOPS) via a "perf record" command.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.26%

16.8th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-476

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linux	Linux Kernel	< 5.12.13

References

https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v5.x/ChangeLog-5.12.13Mailing List, Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/60b7ed54a41b550d50caf7f2418db4a7e75b5bdcPatch, Third Party Advisory
https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v5.x/ChangeLog-5.12.13Mailing List, Patch, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/60b7ed54a41b550d50caf7f2418db4a7e75b5bdcPatch, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Aug 8, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-38200?

How severe is CVE-2021-38200?

CVE-2021-38200 has a CVSS score of 5.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.26% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-38200?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2021-38200?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST