In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been resolved that could lead to important security risks. This vulnerability allows for the corruption of the Multipath TCP (MPTCP) Data Sequence Number (DSS) due to large Path Maximum Transmission Unit (PMTU) transmissions. The issue was demonstrated by Syzkaller, which triggered a DSS corruption, and there are indications of possible SYN flooding on specific ports. The severity of this vulnerability is classified as high, with a CVSS score of 7.5.
Risk to organizations includes significant availability impacts, as the issue can potentially disrupt network services. Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The urgency is underscored by the potential for attackers to leverage this vulnerability to cause denial of service or other impactful network disruptions.
As of now, there are no known exploits in the wild, which provides a brief window for organizations to secure their systems before any malicious activity can take place. However, the high severity of the vulnerability warrants immediate attention to ensure that systems are updated accordingly.
Organizations should monitor for updates from the Linux kernel community regarding patches and further instructions to effectively address this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The specific vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-50083, is associated with the Linux kernel's handling of TCP and MPTCP protocols. The official description states that it addresses a corruption issue with the MPTCP DSS due to large PMTU transmissions. The vulnerability is classified with a CVSS score of 7.5, indicating a high severity level due to its potential impact on system availability.
The affected product is the Linux kernel, commonly utilized across various distributions. The vulnerability was published on October 29, 2024, prompting organizations to take immediate action to safeguard their systems.
Although there is no specific CWE classification for this vulnerability, it poses significant risks due to its network attack vector and low attack complexity, as no user interaction is required for exploitation.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the Linux kernel's implementation of the TCP protocol stack, particularly within the MPTCP functionality. The vulnerability arises when handling large PMTU values, which can lead to corruption of the DSS, potentially allowing an attacker to disrupt normal TCP operations.
The attack vector is network-based, requiring no prior authentication or user interaction. The vulnerability's low attack complexity means that it can be exploited easily by an attacker who can send specially crafted packets to the affected system.
The availability impact is significant, as successful exploitation can lead to system instability, service disruptions, or denial of service. In terms of confidentiality and integrity, this vulnerability does not impact those aspects, as it primarily affects the system's operational capacity.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world risk associated with CVE-2024-50083 is substantial, particularly for environments relying heavily on the Linux kernel for network services. The potential for SYN flooding attacks could create widespread outages, impacting both internal and external communication.
Organizations operating vulnerable versions of the Linux kernel are strongly advised to apply patches as soon as possible to mitigate this risk. The blast radius is significant, given that many critical systems rely on the Linux kernel for their operations. The urgency assessment, based on the CVSS score of 7.5, indicates that organizations should address this vulnerability within their priority patch cycle.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable versions of the Linux kernel include versions from 5.6 to below 5.10.228, as well as 5.11 to below 5.15.169, 5.16 to below 6.1.114, 6.2 to below 6.6.58, and 6.7 to below 6.11.5. Additionally, versions 6.12:rc1 and 6.12:rc2 are also affected.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade to the latest stable version of the Linux kernel that includes the relevant patches. Specifically, users should ensure that they are running versions that are equal to or greater than 5.10.228, 5.15.169, 6.1.114, 6.6.58, and 6.11.5, or the respective release candidates for version 6.12.
In cases where immediate patching is not feasible, organizations can implement network controls to limit exposure to potential exploitation, such as filtering traffic on affected ports. Moreover, continuous monitoring of network activity for potential anomalies related to this vulnerability can help in early detection of any attempted exploitation.
Organizations are encouraged to validate remediation effectiveness through penetration testing to identify any remaining vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts, particularly looking for unusual network traffic patterns that could signal SYN flooding attempts. Behavioral anomalies in TCP traffic, such as excessive retransmissions or connections being established and then abruptly terminated, may also indicate potential exploitation.
Additionally, implementing network signatures that can identify malicious traffic patterns associated with this vulnerability will be beneficial for early detection.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2024-50083 represents a significant security concern within the Linux kernel, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining robust network security in modern systems. This vulnerability is indicative of the types of issues that can arise from complex protocol implementations and underscores the necessity for regular updates and rigorous testing.
Security teams should take this opportunity to review their vulnerability management practices and ensure that they are equipped to respond swiftly to similar threats in the future. Continuous security assessments, including penetration testing methodologies, will help in identifying and mitigating risks before they can be exploited.
Moreover, organizations should consider leveraging vulnerability management programs to ensure comprehensive coverage of security measures across their infrastructure.
Finally, the trends in vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-50083 should inform strategic security decisions, ensuring that organizations remain vigilant and prepared against evolving threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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