CVE-2021-47227: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: x86/fpu: Prevent state corruption in __fpu__restore_sig() The non-compacted slow...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: x86/fpu: Prevent state corruption in __fpu__restore_sig() The non-compacted slowpath uses __copy_from_user() and copies the entire user buffer into the kernel buffer, verbatim. This means that the kernel buffer may now contain entirely invalid state on which XRSTOR will #GP. validate_user_xstate_header() can detect some of that corruption, but that leaves the onus on callers to clear the buffer. Prior to XSAVES support, it was possible just to reinitialize the buffer, completely, but with supervisor states that is not longer possible as the buffer clearing code split got it backwards. Fixing that is possible but not corrupting the state in the first place is more robust. Avoid corruption of the kernel XSAVE buffer by using copy_user_to_xstate() which validates the XSAVE header contents before copying the actual states to the kernel. copy_user_to_xstate() was previously only called for compacted-format kernel buffers, but it works for both compacted and non-compacted forms. Using it for the non-compacted form is slower because of multiple __copy_from_user() operations, but that cost is less important than robust code in an already slow path. [ Changelog polished by Dave Hansen ]

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

0.24%

14.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-754

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 5.8, < 5.10.46	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 5.11, < 5.12.13	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	5.13	Rc1

References

Timeline

Published: May 21, 2024
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-47227?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: x86/fpu: Prevent state corruption in __fpu__restore_sig() The non-compacted slowpath uses __copy_from_user() and copies the entire user buffer into the kernel buffer, verbatim. This means that the kernel buffer may now contain entirely invalid state on which XRSTOR will #GP. validate_user_xstate_header() can detect some of that corruption, but that leaves the onus on callers to clear the buffer. Prior to XSAVES support, it was possible just to reinitialize the buffer, completely, but with supervisor states that is not longer possible as the buffer clearing code split got it backwards. Fixing that is possible but not corrupting the state in the first place is more robust. Avoid corruption of the kernel XSAVE buffer by using copy_user_to_xstate() which validates the XSAVE header contents before copying the actual states to the kernel. copy_user_to_xstate() was previously only called for compacted-format kernel buffers, but it works for both compacted and non-compacted forms. Using it for the non-compacted form is slower because of multiple __copy_from_user() operations, but that cost is less important than robust code in an already slow path. [ Changelog polished by Dave Hansen ]

How severe is CVE-2021-47227?

CVE-2021-47227 has a CVSS score of 5.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.24% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-47227?

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.