CVE-2021-47150 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's FEC (Fast Ethernet Controller) driver code, specifically within the fec_enet_init() function. The issue arises from improper handling of memory allocation failures during the initialization process. When the memory allocation for cbd_base (a buffer descriptor base) fails, the code does not free the previously allocated memory for the queues, leading to a potential memory leak. Additionally, if the memory allocation for the queues themselves fails, the function should return an error immediately to prevent further issues. This vulnerability is essentially a resource management flaw that could cause the kernel to leak memory during network interface initialization, potentially degrading system performance or stability over time. Although it does not directly enable code execution or privilege escalation, the memory leak could be exploited in scenarios where repeated initialization failures occur, possibly leading to denial of service (DoS) conditions due to resource exhaustion. The vulnerability has been addressed by correcting the memory management logic to ensure proper cleanup on allocation failures. There are no known exploits in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned to this vulnerability as of the published date.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2021-47150 is primarily related to system stability and availability. Systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions with the affected FEC driver could experience gradual memory leaks during network interface initialization, which may lead to degraded performance or eventual system crashes if the leak is sustained over time. This could affect servers, network appliances, and embedded devices relying on the FEC driver, potentially disrupting critical business operations, especially in sectors with high network dependency such as telecommunications, finance, and industrial control systems. While the vulnerability does not appear to allow direct unauthorized access or data compromise, the resulting denial of service could impact service availability and reliability. European organizations with large-scale Linux deployments or those using specialized hardware with the FEC driver should be particularly attentive to this issue to maintain operational continuity.

To mitigate CVE-2021-47150, organizations should promptly apply the official Linux kernel patches that address the memory leak in the fec_enet_init() function. Since this vulnerability involves kernel-level code, updating to the latest stable kernel version that includes the fix is the most effective measure. For environments where immediate patching is challenging, monitoring system logs and memory usage patterns related to network interface initialization can help detect abnormal behavior indicative of memory leaks. Additionally, organizations should implement robust system resource monitoring and automated alerting to identify potential degradation early. For embedded or specialized devices using the FEC driver, coordinate with hardware vendors to obtain updated firmware or kernel versions. Finally, ensure that system administrators follow best practices for kernel updates and maintain regular patch management cycles to reduce exposure to similar vulnerabilities.