CVE-2024-50055 is a high-severity vulnerability found in the Linux kernel, specifically related to the driver core. This vulnerability allows for a double free in the driver API function bus_register(). When an error occurs after kset_register(), the @priv structure is freed twice, which leads to memory corruption. The fix involves setting the @priv pointer to NULL after the first free to prevent this issue.
With a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8, this vulnerability is classified as high severity. The attack vector is local, meaning it requires local access to exploit. The attack complexity is low, and only low privileges are necessary for exploitation. The potential impacts are significant, as confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated high, indicating substantial risk to affected systems.
Risk to organizations includes potential system crashes and unauthorized access to sensitive data due to the double free vulnerability. Given the high severity and the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
As of now, there are no confirmed public exploits or proofs of concept available for this vulnerability. However, the risk associated with local exploitation highlights the importance of timely remediation.
Vulnerability Details
The official description for CVE-2024-50055 indicates that it is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel’s driver core, specifically affecting the bus_register() function. The CVSS score of 7.8 indicates a high-severity issue, which is essential for organizations to address. The affected product is the Linux kernel, particularly versions prior to 6.6.57 and between 6.7 and 6.11.4.
The CWE classification for this vulnerability is CWE-415 (Double Free). The vulnerability was published on October 21, 2024, and has been marked as modified since its discovery.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2024-50055 is a flaw in the memory management of the driver API. When bus_register() encounters an error after calling kset_register(), it improperly frees the @priv pointer twice. This leads to memory corruption and potential exploitation. The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker must have access to the affected system. The attack complexity is low, as the vulnerability can be exploited without sophisticated techniques. Only low privileges are required, and user interaction is not necessary.
The impacts of this vulnerability are severe, as it affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to cause system instability or unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes significant potential for data loss and system downtime. As the vulnerability allows for local exploitation, the blast radius could encompass any local user with sufficient privileges to execute the vulnerable function. Organizations need to understand that the urgency associated with this vulnerability is high due to its CVSS score of 7.8 and the potential for exploitation if not addressed.
Given the absence of active exploitation at this time, organizations should still prioritize this vulnerability in their patch management cycles. The fact that it is not currently in the KEV catalog does not diminish its potential impact.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The versions affected by CVE-2024-50055 include all Linux kernel versions prior to 6.6.57 and those from 6.7 to 6.11.4. Organizations should ensure their systems are updated to versions that are not vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize applying the available patches for this vulnerability as soon as possible. The following patches have been released: penetration testing services can also help identify any unaddressed vulnerabilities in the environment.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of CVE-2024-50055, organizations should monitor for unusual memory behavior and logs that indicate double freeing in the kernel. Behavioral anomalies related to system stability could also be indicative of exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2024-50055 represents a critical flaw that reflects ongoing challenges within the Linux kernel development process. As local privilege escalation vulnerabilities continue to be discovered, organizations must adopt a proactive approach to security. Regular updates and penetration testing methodology should be part of the security strategy to minimize risks associated with such vulnerabilities.
As organizations adapt to evolving threats, investing in robust security frameworks will be essential. This includes comprehensive training for developers on secure coding practices, which can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Security teams should remain vigilant and monitor for emerging threats to the Linux kernel and other critical infrastructure components.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)