CVE-2021-47642 video: fbdev: nvidiafb: Use strscpy() to prevent buffer overflow
A potential buffer overflow in the nvidiafb driver could allow memory corruption, though the issue was largely theoretical due to static scope.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2021-47642?
CVE-2021-47642 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Linux kernel, published on 26 Feb 2025. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
video: fbdev: nvidiafb: Use strscpy() to prevent buffer overflow
Coverity complains of a possible buffer overflow. However, given the 'static' scope of nvidia_setup_i2c_bus() it looks like that can't happen after examiniing the call sites.
CID 19036 (#1 of 1): Copy into fixed size buffer (STRING_OVERFLOW) 1. fixed_size_dest: You might overrun the 48-character fixed-size string chan->adapter.name by copying name without checking the length. 2. parameter_as_source: Note: This defect has an elevated risk because the source argument is a parameter of the current function. 89 strcpy(chan->adapter.name, name);
Fix this warning by using strscpy() which will silence the warning and prevent any future buffer overflows should the names used to identify the channel become much longer.
Weakness: CWE-787
Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-47642?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2021-47642?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2021-47642 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-47642 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Linux kernel
Sources
Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2021-47642, GHSA-c3h6-p6wc-j6mg, UBUNTU-CVE-2021-47642.