CVE-2021-42386

busybox: use-after-free in awk applet leads to denial of service and possibly code execution when processing a crafted awk pattern in the nvalloc()

Published Nov 15, 2021 CVSS 3.1 · 7.2 High EPSS 2.8% KEV · Not listed
Description
A use-after-free in Busybox's awk applet leads to denial of service and possibly code execution when processing a crafted awk pattern in the nvalloc function

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-4019-1 busybox security update
EUVD EUVD EUVD-2021-29357 A use-after-free in Busybox's awk applet leads to denial of service and possibly code execution when processing a crafted awk pattern in the nvalloc function
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-5179-1 BusyBox vulnerabilities
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics epss

{'score': 0.00169}

epss

{'score': 0.00183}

Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
JFROG
Published
Updated
Nov 3, 2025, 8:34 PM
Reserved
Oct 14, 2021, 12:00 AM
Status
Modified
Published
Nov 15, 2021, 9:15 PM
Modified
Jun 17, 2026, 4:09 AM
Severity
Moderate
Public date
Nov 9, 2021, 12:00 AM