In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfrm: state: fix out-of-bounds read during lookup. This vulnerability allows lookup and resize operations to run in parallel, which can lead to inconsistencies and potentially dangerous conditions.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.1, categorizing it as high severity. Risk to organizations includes potential data leakage or system crashes due to the vulnerability's exploitation. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Currently, there are no known public exploits associated with this vulnerability, but the potential for exploitation exists given its nature. Organizations should ensure that their systems are updated promptly.
The urgency for defenders is high, and it is crucial to apply patches as they become available to mitigate this vulnerability effectively.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability described in CVE-2024-57982 affects the Linux kernel, specifically in the xfrm subsystem. An out-of-bounds read can occur during lookup operations when the resizing of state structures happens concurrently. The issue arises due to the lack of proper synchronization between the resizing and lookup processes.
The CVSS score of 7.1 indicates a high severity level, characterized by a local attack vector, low attack complexity, and low privileges required to exploit. The impacts on confidentiality and availability are significant, with high confidentiality impact and high availability impact, whereas integrity impact remains none.
The vulnerability has been present in the Linux kernel versions starting from 4.9 and affects systems running prior to version 6.12.13 and between 6.13 and 6.13.2.
The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed on February 27, 2025, and it is classified under CWE-125, which denotes out-of-bounds read.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the concurrency issues inherent in the xfrm subsystem of the Linux kernel. The state structures used for handling network traffic can be resized while lookups are performed, leading to unpredictable behavior.
The attack vector is local, which means that an attacker requires access to the system to exploit this vulnerability. The attack complexity is low, as the actions required to exploit the vulnerability do not involve advanced skills or significant resources.
The privileges required to exploit this vulnerability are low, allowing users with limited access to potentially cause disruption. User interaction is not required for exploitation, adding to the risk.
The impacts of this vulnerability include high confidentiality impact due to the possibility of unauthorized data exposure and high availability impact, which could lead to system crashes or instability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment of this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing the Linux kernel. The potential for data loss, service disruptions, and unauthorized access to sensitive information highlights the need for immediate remediation.
Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability, especially those running affected versions of the Linux kernel. The urgency for addressing this vulnerability is high, and organizations must prioritize patching as soon as fixes are made available.
The blast radius potential is considerable, as many systems rely on the Linux kernel for core operations. Failure to patch this vulnerability could lead to severe operational disruptions and reputational damage.
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: All versions starting from 4.9 up to, but not including, 6.12.13, and from 6.13 up to, but not including, 6.13.2.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should apply patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers. It is important to upgrade to the latest version of the kernel that addresses this issue to ensure protection against potential exploitation.
In addition to patching, organizations should consider implementing robust configuration hardening and network controls to further mitigate risks. For comprehensive testing of security postures, organizations may utilize penetration testing services that can help identify similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns or anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, network signatures should be established to detect potential exploitation activities related to this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2024-57982 lies in its demonstration of the challenges faced by the Linux kernel in maintaining concurrency safety. As systems become increasingly complex, the risk of similar vulnerabilities emerging grows.
Organizations should reflect on this incident to enhance their security practices and consider integrating penetration testing methodologies into their regular security assessments.
This vulnerability also serves as a reminder of the importance of timely updates and patches in maintaining secure systems. Finally, organizations can benefit from reviewing their incident response strategies, ensuring they are prepared for potential future vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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