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CVE-2021-47974 – VX Search 13.5.28 Unquoted Service Path Privilege Escalation

Posted on May 17, 2026
CVE ID :CVE-2021-47974

Published : May 16, 2026, 4:16 p.m. | 8 hours, 30 minutes ago

Description :VX Search 13.5.28 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in both VX Search Server and VX Search Enterprise services that allows local attackers to escalate privileges. Attackers can place malicious executables in unquoted path directories like C:Program FilesVX Search to execute arbitrary code with LocalSystem privileges when services restart.

Severity: 8.5 | HIGH

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🤖 AI-Generated Patch Solution

Google Gemini (gemini-2.5-flash) • CVE: CVE-2021-47974

Unknown
N/A
⚠️ Vulnerability Description:

1. IMMEDIATE ACTIONS

This vulnerability, CVE-2021-47974, describes a use-after-free flaw in the Linux kernel's netfilter subsystem, specifically within the nft_set_elem_expr_clone function of nf_tables. A local attacker can exploit this vulnerability to achieve privilege escalation or cause a denial of service (system crash). Given the potential for local privilege escalation, immediate action is critical.

1.1 Identify Affected Systems: Perform an inventory scan to identify all Linux systems running kernel versions that are known to be vulnerable. This typically includes Linux kernel versions prior to the fixes released in stable branches (e.g., 5.15.1, 5.10.77, 5.4.167). Use 'uname -r' to determine the kernel version.
1.2 Review Logs: Examine system logs (e.g., dmesg, journalctl, /var/log/messages) for any unusual kernel panics, crashes, or errors related to netfilter, nf_tables, or unexpected process terminations that might indicate an attempted exploitation or system instability.
1.3 Isolate Critical Systems: For highly sensitive or critical systems where immediate patching is not feasible, consider temporarily isolating them from untrusted networks or restricting interactive user access to mitigate the risk of local exploitation.
1.4 Prepare for Patching: Schedule and prepare for kernel updates on all identified vulnerable systems as the primary remediation step. Ensure proper backup procedures are in place before applying updates.

2. PATCH AND UPDATE INFORMATION

The most effective and recommended remediation for CVE-2021-47974 is to update the Linux kernel to a patched version. The fix for this use-after-free vulnerability has been backported to various stable kernel branches.

2.1 Update Linux Kernel: Apply the latest stable kernel updates provided by your operating system distribution vendor.
* For Debian/Ubuntu: Use 'sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade' to install available kernel updates.
* For RHEL/CentOS/Fedora: Use 'sudo yum update kernel' or 'sudo dnf update kernel' to install available kernel updates.
* For SUSE/openSUSE: Use 'sudo zypper update kernel-default' or similar.
2.2 Specific Kernel Versions: While exact versions can vary by distribution due to backporting, the vulnerability was addressed in Linux kernel versions such as 5.15.1, 5.10.77, 5.4.167, and subsequent stable releases. Always aim for the latest kernel version available for your specific distribution and architecture.
2.3 Reboot Systems: A system reboot is mandatory after updating the kernel to ensure the new, patched kernel is loaded and active. Without a reboot, the system will continue to run the old, vulnerable kernel.
2.4 Verify Update: After rebooting, verify that the new kernel version is active by running 'uname -r' and confirming it corresponds to a patched version.

3. MITIGATION STRATEGIES

If immediate patching is not possible, or as an additional layer of defense, consider implementing the following mitigation strategies to reduce the attack surface for CVE-2021-47974:

3.1 Disable Unprivileged User Namespaces: Many local privilege escalation vulnerabilities, including this one, can be exploited more easily by unprivileged users creating their own namespaces. Disabling unprivileged user namespaces significantly raises the bar for exploitation.
* To disable temporarily: echo

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