CVE-2021-47642 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's framebuffer device driver for NVIDIA graphics (nvidiafb). The issue arises from the use of the unsafe strcpy() function to copy a string into a fixed-size buffer without validating the length of the input string. Specifically, the function nvidia_setup_i2c_bus() copies a name parameter into a 48-character fixed-size string buffer chan->adapter.name without length checks, which can lead to a buffer overflow. Although the function's static scope and limited call sites reduce the likelihood of exploitation, the vulnerability represents a potential risk if longer names are introduced in the future or if the code is reused in other contexts. The fix involves replacing strcpy() with strscpy(), a safer string copy function that limits the number of characters copied and prevents buffer overruns. This change eliminates the buffer overflow risk and silences static analysis warnings from tools like Coverity. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and the vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions identified by commit hashes. The vulnerability is related to the video framebuffer subsystem, specifically the NVIDIA framebuffer driver, which is used in Linux systems with NVIDIA graphics hardware or virtualized environments emulating such hardware. No CVSS score is assigned to this vulnerability, and no patch links are provided in the data.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2021-47642 is generally limited but should not be overlooked. Systems running Linux kernels with the affected NVIDIA framebuffer driver are potentially vulnerable to buffer overflow attacks that could lead to memory corruption. In the worst case, this could allow local attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges or cause denial of service through kernel crashes. However, exploitation requires local access and is constrained by the static scope of the vulnerable function, reducing the attack surface. Organizations relying on Linux servers or workstations with NVIDIA hardware or virtualized environments using the nvidiafb driver could be affected. Critical infrastructure, research institutions, and enterprises with GPU-accelerated workloads may have increased exposure. While no active exploits are known, the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks or combined with other vulnerabilities to escalate privileges. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems could be compromised if exploited, potentially impacting sensitive data and operational continuity.

European organizations should take the following specific steps to mitigate CVE-2021-47642: 1) Identify Linux systems using the nvidiafb framebuffer driver, especially those with NVIDIA hardware or virtualized GPU environments. 2) Verify kernel versions and commit hashes against the affected versions to determine exposure. 3) Apply the official Linux kernel updates or patches that replace strcpy() with strscpy() in the nvidiafb driver as soon as they become available. If official patches are not yet released, consider backporting the fix from the Linux kernel source or disabling the nvidiafb driver if it is not essential. 4) Implement strict access controls to limit local user access to systems with this vulnerability, reducing the risk of local exploitation. 5) Monitor system logs and kernel messages for unusual activity or crashes related to the framebuffer driver. 6) Incorporate this vulnerability into vulnerability management and patching workflows to ensure timely remediation. 7) For environments using containerization or virtualization, ensure that guest kernels are also patched if they include the vulnerable driver. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on driver usage, kernel version verification, and access control specific to this vulnerability.