Skipping End Interval Elements in Lazy GC

CVE-2024-26581

What is CVE-2024-26581?

CVE-2024-26581 is a vulnerability found in the Linux kernel, specifically affecting the netfilter component. The vulnerability involves the improper management of end interval elements during the garbage collection (GC) process in the red-black tree (rbtree) structure. This flaw can be exploited when new elements are added during a transaction, potentially leading to stability and security issues within the Linux operating system. Organizations relying on Linux for their infrastructure may face risks such as data integrity issues, performance degradation, and increased attack surfaces if this vulnerability is not addressed.

Technical Details

The vulnerability arises from the rbtree lazy garbage collection algorithm implemented in the netfilter subsystem. When an end interval element is inserted, the garbage collector may incorrectly identify this newly added element as one that can be collected, even if it is not yet active. This can lead to incorrect state management and inconsistencies within the data structures used by netfilter, creating opportunities for exploitation. Attackers may leverage this oversight to disrupt normal operations or to inject malicious behaviors into the affected systems.

Potential Impact of CVE-2024-26581

1. Data Integrity Risks: The improper handling of end interval elements could result in data loss or corruption, as newly inserted elements might be mistakenly deleted or rendered inactive, impacting the reliability of data processed by the netfilter subsystem.

2. System Stability Issues: Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unexpected behavior and crashes in the kernel, affecting the stability of systems that depend on Linux. This can hinder service availability and disrupt critical operations.

3. Increased Attack Surface: With the potential for exploitation in the wild, this vulnerability provides an avenue for attackers to compromise systems. Organizations may face additional risks, including unauthorized access, data breaches, and the potential for further exploits that exploit the underlying weaknesses in the kernel architecture.

News Articles

CybersecurityNews

CVE-2024-26581

PoC Exploit Released for Linux Kernel Vulnerability that Allows Root Access

poc releaed for a critical security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-26581, has been discovered in the Linux kernel, posing significant risks to systems worldwide

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