CVE-2021-47281: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ALSA: seq: Fix race of snd_seq_timer_open() The timer instance per queue is excl...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ALSA: seq: Fix race of snd_seq_timer_open() The timer instance per queue is exclusive, and snd_seq_timer_open() should have managed the concurrent accesses. It looks as if it's checking the already existing timer instance at the beginning, but it's not right, because there is no protection, hence any later concurrent call of snd_seq_timer_open() may override the timer instance easily. This may result in UAF, as the leftover timer instance can keep running while the queue itself gets closed, as spotted by syzkaller recently. For avoiding the race, add a proper check at the assignment of tmr->timeri again, and return -EBUSY if it's been already registered.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.23%

14.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-416

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions	Update
Linux	Linux Kernel	< 5.10.44	—
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 5.11, < 5.12.11	—
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-2021-47281?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ALSA: seq: Fix race of snd_seq_timer_open() The timer instance per queue is exclusive, and snd_seq_timer_open() should have managed the concurrent accesses. It looks as if it's checking the already existing timer instance at the beginning, but it's not right, because there is no protection, hence any later concurrent call of snd_seq_timer_open() may override the timer instance easily. This may result in UAF, as the leftover timer instance can keep running while the queue itself gets closed, as spotted by syzkaller recently. For avoiding the race, add a proper check at the assignment of tmr->timeri again, and return -EBUSY if it's been already registered.

How severe is CVE-2021-47281?

CVE-2021-47281 has a CVSS score of 7/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.23% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-47281?

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.