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CVE-2024-0565: Medium Vulnerability in Linux Kernel SMB Client

A medium-severity out-of-bounds memory read vulnerability in the Linux Kernel SMB Client can lead to denial of service. Organizations should prioritize remediation to mitigate potential risks.

MEDIUMCVSS 6.8 · Published January 15, 2024

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CVE-2024-0565 is identified as a medium-severity vulnerability stemming from an out-of-bounds memory read flaw in the Linux Kernel's SMB Client component. This defect arises from an integer underflow during memory copy operations, particularly within the function receive_encrypted_standard located in fs/smb/client/smb2ops.c. The flaw can be exploited to trigger a denial of service, rendering the affected system unresponsive.

The severity of this vulnerability is rated as medium, with a CVSS score of 6.8 according to Red Hat's assessment. The implications of this vulnerability include significant risks to confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as indicated by its high impact scores. Organizations utilizing the Linux Kernel with the SMB Client should be particularly vigilant in addressing this issue.

Given the potential for denial of service attacks, organizations should prioritize remediation efforts. The vulnerability was published on January 15, 2024, and the urgency for patching is critical as it affects numerous deployments.

Currently, there is no evidence of known exploits in the wild for CVE-2024-0565, but organizations are advised to remain vigilant and implement the available patches immediately to mitigate risks.

Vulnerability Details

The official description of this vulnerability states: 'An out-of-bounds memory read flaw was found in receive_encrypted_standard in fs/smb/client/smb2ops.c in the SMB Client sub-component in the Linux Kernel. This issue occurs due to integer underflow on the memcpy length, leading to a denial of service.'

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-191, which pertains to integer underflow conditions. The CVSS score from NVD indicates a base score of 7.4, classifying this vulnerability as high severity. The attack vector is adjacent network, and it requires low privileges and user interaction.

The vulnerability affects specific versions of the Linux Kernel, including versions from 6.1.36 up to but not including 6.7, and certain release candidates of version 6.7. It also impacts NetApp's ONTAP tools when used with VMware vSphere.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of CVE-2024-0565 lies in improper handling of memory operations within the SMB Client component of the Linux Kernel. The integer underflow occurs when calculating the length for a memcpy operation, which can lead to reading beyond expected memory boundaries.

The attack vector is classified as adjacent network, meaning that attackers must have access to the local network where the vulnerable system resides. The complexity of the attack is considered high due to the requirement for user interaction. The privileges required to exploit this vulnerability are low, making it accessible for potential attackers. Additionally, successful exploitation can have detrimental effects on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Risk to organizations includes potential service disruption due to the denial of service that this vulnerability can invoke. The blast radius is significant, especially for environments relying on SMB protocols for file sharing and network communications.

Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability based on their network architecture and the presence of affected components. The urgency of addressing this vulnerability is classified as high, given its potential impact and the current lack of known exploitation.

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

The following versions of the Linux Kernel are affected by this vulnerability: all versions from 6.1.36 up to but not including 6.7, as well as the release candidates 6.7:rc1 through 6.7:rc5. Additionally, NetApp's ONTAP tools are vulnerable when deployed in conjunction with VMware vSphere.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations should prioritize patching the affected systems immediately. The relevant patches are expected to be included in upcoming Linux Kernel updates. For those unable to apply updates right away, it is advisable to limit exposure by isolating affected systems from untrusted networks.

Furthermore, implementing strict network controls to restrict access to SMB services can reduce the risk of exploitation. Continuous monitoring of system performance and network traffic can also help in early detection of unusual behavior.

Continuous security testing can further enhance the security posture of organizations using the affected components.

Detection Guidance

To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should look for unusual system logs, especially those related to SMB traffic. Monitoring for spikes in network traffic to and from affected systems can also indicate exploitation attempts.

Behavioral anomalies in system performance such as unexpected crashes or service disruptions should be logged and analyzed promptly.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

CVE-2024-0565 presents a significant risk as it reflects ongoing challenges in the realm of memory management within kernel-level components. The presence of this vulnerability emphasizes the need for rigorous testing and validation during software development.

Security teams are encouraged to adopt a proactive approach, ensuring regular updates to the Linux Kernel and associated tools are integrated into their patch management processes. This vulnerability also serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough security assessments and red teaming exercises.

Penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in organizations' environments, ensuring that risk is effectively managed.

This incident highlights the importance of maintaining an up-to-date inventory of all software components and their respective vulnerabilities. By doing so, organizations can better prioritize their remediation efforts and enhance their overall security posture.

Vulnerability management programs should be designed to continuously assess and adapt to emerging threats.

Red teaming services can also provide valuable insights into an organization's resilience against real-world attacks.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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