Layer 2 filtering bypass via invalid LLC/SNAP lengths
Published Sep 27, 2022 · Updated Nov 4, 2025
Layer 2 filtering bypass in IEEE 802.2 and IETF IPv6 RA Guard allows attackers to redirect traffic with crafted frames. Implementations inconsistently validate the 802.3 length field and then forward invalid LLC/SNAP frames without applying configured Layer 2 inspection. Attackers must reach the same Layer 2 path; accepted rogue router advertisements can blackhole traffic or place attackers between hosts and their destinations.
Summary
What happened
Layer 2 filtering bypass in IEEE 802.2 and IETF IPv6 RA Guard allows attackers to redirect traffic with crafted frames. Implementations inconsistently validate the 802.3 length field and then forward invalid LLC/SNAP frames without applying configured Layer 2 inspection. Attackers must reach the same Layer 2 path; accepted rogue router advertisements can blackhole traffic or place attackers between hosts and their destinations.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2021-27861
- Published
- Sep 27, 2022
- Updated
- Nov 4, 2025
- Vendor
- IEEE
- Product
- IEEE 802.2
- Classifications
- CWE-290, CWE-130, T1557
- Attack vector
- adjacent
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Sep 27, 2022CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Nov 4, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=802.2h-1997 <=802.2h-1997
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.
Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- l2-security-whack-a-mole.py crafted-frame proof of conceptproof of concept · demonstrated
Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.
Technologies
Your stack
See the directory against your own environment.
Your stack
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