In the Linux kernel, a medium-severity vulnerability has been resolved related to netlink operations. This vulnerability allows for improper handling of socket closures during iterative data dumping processes, potentially leading to significant availability impacts.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.5, indicating a medium level of severity. Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and prioritize remediation efforts.
Risk to organizations includes disruptions in service due to improper socket management, which can be exploited if left unaddressed. As the vulnerability has been classified as medium severity, organizations should address it in their priority patch cycle.
Currently, there are no known exploits or public proofs of concept available, but organizations are advised to remain vigilant as the situation may evolve.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability affects the netlink subsystem within the Linux kernel, specifically during the termination of outstanding dumps when a socket is closed. The asynchronous nature of the process means that users can inadvertently close sockets before completing data dumps.
The vulnerability is categorized with a CVSS score of 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is local, requiring low privileges and no user interaction, which enhances the potential risk.
The affected product is the Linux kernel, with the vulnerability impacting versions ranging from 4.4.38 to 6.11.10. The official publication date for this CVE is December 4, 2024.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the handling of socket closures in the netlink subsystem. The asynchronous operations of netlink allow users to initiate data dumps, but improper management can lead to scenarios where sockets are closed prematurely, disrupting ongoing operations.
The attack vector is local, requiring an attacker to have access to the system. The complexity of the attack is low, as it does not require significant technical skills. This vulnerability does not necessitate user interaction, which further increases the risk.
The impacts on confidentiality and integrity are none, but there is a high impact on availability, as improper socket management can cause disruptions in service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations utilizing affected versions of the Linux kernel should recognize the potential for operational disruption due to this vulnerability. If exploited, attackers may leverage this flaw to cause service outages, impacting business operations.
Given the medium severity rating, organizations are urged to include this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to mitigate risks effectively. The blast radius could vary significantly based on the deployment environment and existing security controls.
With the absence of known exploits, organizations should remain proactive in monitoring their systems and addressing this vulnerability promptly.
Exploitation Status
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: 4.4.38 to < 4.5, 4.8.14 to < 4.9, 4.9 to < 6.1.119, 6.2 to < 6.6.63, and 6.7 to < 6.11.10. Organizations should ensure they are on a patched version.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations are encouraged to patch the Linux kernel to mitigate this vulnerability. Ensure that your systems are updated to the latest version to benefit from the security improvements.
For more information on how to implement effective security measures, consider engaging in penetration testing and other security assessments.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring system logs for unusual socket behavior and unexpected application crashes can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should review their configurations to ensure compliance with security best practices.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the ongoing need for proactive security measures in applications using the Linux kernel. The pattern of vulnerabilities in kernel subsystems emphasizes the importance of regular updates and monitoring.
Organizations should leverage insights from past vulnerabilities to enhance their security posture. Implementing a robust vulnerability management program can help in identifying and mitigating similar issues in the future.
Additionally, teams should consider engaging in penetration testing to proactively identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Finally, organizations should remain informed about emerging threats and trends in security by following relevant resources and updates.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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