CVE-2021-47668 can: dev: can_restart: fix use after free bug

High 8.8 Published Updated

A use-after-free bug in the Linux kernel CAN subsystem allows attackers to cause denial of service or potentially execute code.

Exploited in the wild
Not known
Login needed
Not needed
Attackable
Local or same network only
Victim action needed
Not needed
Fix
Available

What is CVE-2021-47668?

CVE-2021-47668 is a high-severity use after free vulnerability in Linux kernel, published on 17 Apr 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:

can: dev: can_restart: fix use after free bug

After calling netif_rx_ni(skb), dereferencing skb is unsafe. Especially, the can_frame cf which aliases skb memory is accessed after the netif_rx_ni() in: stats->rx_bytes += cf->len;

Reordering the lines solves the issue.

Weakness: CWE-416

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-47668?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Linux kernel.

How do I fix CVE-2021-47668?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Upgrade to the fixed version. These bugs are found with fuzzing and sanitisers and avoided by memory-safe languages. More about Use after free.

Is CVE-2021-47668 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-47668 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Linux kernel vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2021-47668, GHSA-78xp-xvw2-6rw6, UBUNTU-CVE-2021-47668.

Is CVE-2021-47668 in your software?

Upload an SBOM and sbomify checks it against every vulnerability here, every day.

Check your SBOMs for free