Missing Range Checks in netfilter's ipset
CVE-2024-53141

7.8HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor: Linux
Status: Linux
Vendor: CVE Published:; 6 December 2024

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What is CVE-2024-53141?

CVE-2024-53141 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel that affects the netfilter's ipset, a tool used for IP address management and filtering in network security. This flaw arises from a missing range check during the processing of specific attributes, which could lead to unintended behavior in the management of IP address ranges. If exploited, it could compromise the integrity of network configurations, potentially allowing unauthorized access or manipulation of network traffic, which can severely impact an organization’s security posture.

Technical Details

The vulnerability resides in the implementation of netfilter's ipset, specifically relating to the handling of the IP address attributes during input processing. When the attribute for an IP range is missing yet another associated attribute exists, the values of the IP addresses are incorrectly swapped. This oversight results in a failure to perform necessary range checks before processing, leaving the system vulnerable to various types of attacks that leverage this misconfiguration. The proposed solution involves adding the missing range checks while eliminating redundant checks to ensure the secure handling of IP attributes.

Potential Impact of CVE-2024-53141

Unauthorized Network Access: The primary risk is the potential for unauthorized users to exploit this vulnerability to gain access to restricted network segments, thereby allowing them to manipulate or eavesdrop on sensitive traffic.
Loss of Data Integrity: This vulnerability can lead to incorrect processing of network traffic filters, which can result in improperly blocked or unblocked IP addresses. Such outcomes can compromise the effectiveness of security measures, leading to data breaches or loss of data integrity.
Increased Attack Surface: By failing to validate IP ranges correctly, organizations could inadvertently expose themselves to further vulnerabilities. This expansion of the attack surface could make them attractive targets for various forms of cyberattacks, including DDoS attacks and network infiltration by malicious actors.