CVE-2021-41864
kernel: eBPF multiplication integer overflow in prealloc_elems_and_freelist() in kernel/bpf/stackmap.c leads to out-of-bounds write
Severity
ModerateRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.1
Review impact separately from score.
Published · September 30, 2021
Updated · June 28, 2026
Description
An out-of-bounds (OOB) memory write flaw was found in prealloc_elems_and_freelist in kernel/bpf/stackmap.c in the bpf in the Linux kernel. In this flaw, the multiplication to calculate the size could lead to an integer overflow which could allow a local attacker, with a special user privilege, to gain access to out-of-bounds memory leading to a system crash or a leak of internal kernel information.
Statement
The default Red Hat Enterprise Linux kernel prevents unprivileged users from being able to use eBPF by the kernel.unprivileged_bpf_disabled sysctl. This would require a privileged user with CAP_SYS_ADMIN or root to be able to abuse this flaw reducing its attack space.
For the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 the eBPF for unprivileged users is always disabled. For the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 to confirm the current state, inspect the sysctl with the command:
# cat /proc/sys/kernel/unprivileged_bpf_disabled
The setting of 1 would mean that unprivileged users can not use eBPF, mitigating the flaw.
A kernel update will be required to mitigate the flaw for the root or users with CAP_SYS_ADMIN capabilities.
CVSS score applicability
The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options don't meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base, or stability.
CVSS / CWE
CVSS 3.1 · 7.8CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CWE-787 · Out-of-bounds Write