CVE-2021-3996: Medium severity util-linux vulnerability

Published Nov 18, 2021
·
Updated

A flaw was found in util-linux's libmount. An issue related to parsing the /proc/self/mountinfo file allows an unprivileged user to unmount other users' filesystems that are either world-writable themselves (like /tmp) or mounted in a world-writable directory.

Other sources

A logic error was found in the libmount library of util-linux in the function that allows an unprivileged user to unmount a FUSE filesystem. This flaw allows a local user on a vulnerable system to unmount other users' filesystems that are either world-writable themselves (like /tmp) or mounted in a world-writable directory. An attacker may use this flaw to cause a denial of service to applications that use the affected filesystems.

MITRE

Affected Software

4 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/util-linux<2.37.3
2.37.3
kernel util-linux>=2.34<2.37.3
Fedoraproject Fedora=35
Microsoft cm1 util-linux 2.32.1-7

Event History

Aug 23, 2022
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:00 AM
DescriptionWeakness
Oct 1, 2025
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·11:11 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Microsoft·11:11 PM
Affected Software
Updated
via Microsoft·11:11 PM
DescriptionSeverity
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the vulnerability ID?

The vulnerability ID is CVE-2021-3996.

2

What is the title of the vulnerability?

The title of the vulnerability is 'A logic error was found in the libmount library of util-linux in the function that allows an unprivileged user to unmount a FUSE filesystem.'

3

What is the severity of CVE-2021-3996?

The severity of CVE-2021-3996 is medium, with a severity value of 5.5.

4

What is the affected software?

The affected software includes Kernel Util-linux version 2.34 to 2.37.3, Fedoraproject Fedora version 35, and redhat/util-linux version up to 2.37.3.

5

How can this vulnerability be exploited?

This vulnerability can be exploited by a local user on a vulnerable system to unmount other users' filesystems that are either world-writable themselves or mounted in a specific way.

Contact

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