In the Linux kernel, a recently identified vulnerability has been addressed, which can lead to serious performance issues. Specifically, the vulnerability arises from a failure in the memory allocation function kmalloc() during the execution of the create_unique_id() function. If kmalloc() fails due to out-of-memory conditions, the system does not return an appropriate error code, instead triggering a panic through a BUG_ON(). This situation can cause significant disruptions and potential denial of service.
With a CVSS score of 5.5, this vulnerability is classified as medium severity. The risk to organizations includes potential interruptions in service due to the kernel panic, which could impact system availability, especially in environments where the Linux kernel is critical for operations.
As of the last update, there are no known exploits or public proofs of concept for this vulnerability, indicating that it has not yet been actively exploited in the wild. Nonetheless, organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent any potential exploitation before attackers can take advantage of this weakness.
The vulnerability was published on April 28, 2024, and is considered a significant risk that requires immediate attention from security teams managing Linux systems.
To ensure system integrity and availability, organizations should address this vulnerability as part of their priority patch cycle.
Organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring for vulnerabilities within their systems, especially those related to critical infrastructure like the Linux kernel.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability description states: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: mm/slub: fix to return errno if kmalloc() fails In create_unique_id(), kmalloc(, GFP_KERNEL) can fail due to out-of-memory; if it fails, return errno correctly rather than triggering panic via BUG_ON();.
This vulnerability type is classified as a memory allocation issue, impacting the availability of the Linux kernel. The official CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.5, which indicates a medium severity level.
The affected product is the Linux kernel, with the publication date of the vulnerability set for April 28, 2024.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is linked to the improper handling of memory allocation failures. When the kmalloc() function fails, it does not return an error code, leading to a kernel panic situation, which can be detrimental to system uptime.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is classified as local, meaning that an attacker must have local access to the system to exploit it. The attack complexity is considered low, as it does not require significant effort or resources to trigger the vulnerability.
Privileges required are low, meaning that an attacker with limited access could potentially exploit this vulnerability. There is no user interaction required to trigger the vulnerability, which increases the risk profile.
The impact on the availability is categorized as high, indicating that successful exploitation could lead to a complete denial of service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes potential denial of service due to memory allocation failures that lead to kernel panic. Given the critical role of the Linux kernel in many systems, the impact of this vulnerability can be widespread, affecting not only individual systems but also entire networks.
The potential blast radius of this vulnerability is substantial, particularly in environments where multiple services depend on the Linux kernel. Organizations that fail to address this vulnerability may find themselves vulnerable to disruptions that can hinder business operations.
Considering the CVSS score of 5.5, organizations should schedule remediation as part of their regular patch management process, prioritizing it to minimize risk.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
This vulnerability affects the Linux kernel versions as follows: - All versions prior to 4.9.330 - All versions from 4.10 to prior to 4.14.295 - All versions from 4.15 to prior to 4.19.260 - All versions from 4.20 to prior to 5.4.215 - All versions from 5.5 to prior to 5.10.146 - All versions from 5.11 to prior to 5.15.71 - All versions from 5.16 to prior to 5.19.12.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability to prevent exploitation. The recommended action is to update to the latest version of the Linux kernel or apply the relevant patches. For environments unable to immediately update, consider implementing configuration hardening and network controls to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
For additional insights on security testing, organizations can refer to the penetration testing services offered by AppSecure, which can enhance security posture.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor system logs for error messages related to kmalloc() failures. Additionally, watch for abnormal system behavior or crashes that may indicate a kernel panic triggered by memory allocation issues.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability exemplifies the ongoing need for robust memory management in kernel development. It highlights how seemingly minor errors in memory allocation can lead to severe system failures. Security teams should consider conducting thorough reviews of their systems to identify and mitigate similar weaknesses before they can be exploited.
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of vulnerabilities and their management, organizations may explore our guide on vulnerability management programs, as well as best practices in penetration testing methodologies and the importance of security testing best practices in maintaining a secure infrastructure.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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