Null Pointer Dereference in svc_rqst_free() in Kernel

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

31/05/2021
N/A
No i
Unrated
Not published

GSD-2021-1000217: SUNRPC: Fix null pointer dereference in svc_rqst_free(). Affects Kernel versions >= 5191955d6fc65e6d4efe8f4f10a6028298f57281, < c664aaec9aee544538a78ba4893a44bc73a6d742. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

Free scan

Check if this vulnerability affects your application

Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored Devnack Mobile apps built by Devnack Design, build and launch iOS and Android apps with a senior product team. From idea to store release Start a project

Background

The Kernel is a critical component of the Linux operating system that provides core functionalities and acts as a bridge between hardware and software. It manages system resources, facilitates communication between processes, and handles various hardware devices. The Kernel is responsible for maintaining the stability, security, and performance of the entire system. However, a vulnerability has been identified in the Kernel that can lead to a null pointer dereference in the svc_rqst_free() function.

Vulnerability Detail

The null pointer dereference vulnerability in svc_rqst_free() occurs when a null pointer is accessed, leading to a system crash or potential privilege escalation. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request to the affected system, causing the Kernel to dereference a null pointer. This can result in a denial of service (DoS) condition or allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability was introduced in version v5.11 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.12.5.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →

Workaround

As a workaround, users can apply patches or backports provided by their Linux distribution to address the null pointer dereference vulnerability in svc_rqst_free(). These patches may vary depending on the distribution and Kernel version. It is recommended to consult the official documentation or support channels of the specific Linux distribution for guidance on applying the necessary patches.

Conclusion

The null pointer dereference vulnerability in svc_rqst_free() in the Kernel can have severe consequences, including system crashes and potential privilege escalation. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.12.5 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Applying patches or backports provided by the Linux distribution can also help protect the system. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

A null pointer dereference vulnerability occurs when a program attempts to access or dereference a null pointer, leading to unexpected behavior or crashes.

The null pointer dereference vulnerability in svc_rqst_free() can result in a system crash (DoS) or allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted request to the affected system, triggering a null pointer dereference in the Kernel.

Yes, this vulnerability has been fixed in version v5.12.5 of the Linux Kernel.

To protect your system, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.12.5 or later. Additionally, applying patches or backports provided by your Linux distribution can serve as a temporary workaround.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback