CVE-2021-20204 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting getdata, debian linux, fedora. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
A heap memory corruption problem (use after free) can be triggered in libgetdata v0.10.0 when processing maliciously crafted dirfile databases. This degrades the confidentiality, integrity and availability of third-party software that uses libgetdata as a library. This vulnerability may lead to arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation depending on input/skills of attacker.
Why this priority
Critical severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist
No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.
Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.
After downgrade
Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.
debian debian linux MITIGATE
Affected: 9.0
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 9.0
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
fedoraproject fedora MITIGATE
Affected: 33 · 34 · 35
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 33
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
Verify at the official sourceNVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2021-20204?
getdata: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; fedora: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2021-20204 being exploited?
CVE-2021-20204 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2021-20204 affect?
CVE-2021-20204 affects getdata, debian linux, fedora. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). A heap memory corruption problem (use after free) can be triggered in libgetdata v0.10.0 when processing maliciously crafted dirfile databases. This degrades the confidentiality, integrity and availability of third-party software that uses
How urgent is CVE-2021-20204?
Priority 65/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist
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