Zero-Initializing Report Buffer to Prevent Kernel Memory Leak
CVE-2024-50302

5.5MEDIUM

Key Information:

Vendor
Linux
Status
Linux
Vendor
CVE Published:
19 November 2024

Badges

📈 Score: 420👾 Exploit Exists🦅 CISA Reported📰 News Worthy

What is CVE-2024-50302?

CVE-2024-50302 is a vulnerability found in the Linux kernel, specifically related to the proper initialization of the report buffer used by various device drivers. This vulnerability poses a risk as it could allow unauthorized access to kernel memory, potentially leading to information leaks. Such a situation could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data, negatively impacting an organization’s security posture and operational stability.

Technical Details

This vulnerability involves the report buffer, which is utilized by a variety of drivers in the Linux kernel. The flaw arises from the buffer not being zero-initialized at allocation, which can create opportunities for attackers to exploit this oversight. By ensuring that the buffer is zero-initialized, it prevents the leaking of kernel memory through specially crafted reports, effectively mitigating the risk associated with this vulnerability.

Potential Impact of CVE-2024-50302

  1. Data Leakage: The primary concern with CVE-2024-50302 is the potential for sensitive kernel memory data to be unintentionally exposed. This could include critical information related to system operations, passwords, or any other sensitive data held in kernel memory.

  2. System Integrity Compromise: If exploited, this vulnerability could jeopardize the overall integrity of the operating system, allowing attackers to gain insight into kernel processes and potentially manipulate system behavior, leading to further vulnerabilities.

  3. Increased Attack Surface: The presence of this vulnerability within the widely used Linux kernel could broaden the attack surface, making systems running affected versions more attractive targets for cybercriminals looking to exploit known weaknesses in kernel-level operations.

CISA Reported

CISA provides regional cyber and physical services to support security and resilience across the United States. CISA monitor the most dangerious vulnerabilities and have identifed as being exploited but is not known by the CISA to be used in ransomware campaigns. This is subject to change at pace

The CISA's recommendation is: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

Affected Version(s)

Linux 27ce405039bfe6d3f4143415c638f56a3df77dca

Linux 27ce405039bfe6d3f4143415c638f56a3df77dca < 3f9e88f2672c4635960570ee9741778d4135ecf5

Linux 27ce405039bfe6d3f4143415c638f56a3df77dca

News Articles

favicon imageDeccan Herald

Google rolls out update with security patch to fix zero-day vulnerabilities in Android phones

It has come to light that some state-sponsored espionage team using Cellebrite’s mobile forensic tools may have exploited the CVE-2024-50302 vulnerability to hack the Android phones of student activists of Serbia.

5 days ago

References

https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e7ea60184e1e88a3c9e437b32...
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3f9e88f2672c4635960570ee9...
https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d7dc68d82ab3fcfc3f6532246...

CVSS V3.1

Score:
5.5
Severity:
MEDIUM
Confidentiality:
None
Integrity:
None
Availability:
None
Attack Vector:
Local
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • 🦅

    CISA Reported

  • 📰

    First article discovered by The Hacker News

  • Vulnerability published

.