In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been resolved that allows for a kernel oops when attempting to remove the max96712 module. This issue is categorized as high severity with a CVSS score of 7.1, indicating significant risk to affected systems. The vulnerability is associated with a local attack vector, which means that an attacker would need local access to exploit it. Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The kernel oops is triggered due to an incorrect pointer being passed to the v4l2_async_unregister_subdev() function during the module removal process. This can lead to a crash, which affects the stability and security of the kernel. With the high severity rating, this vulnerability poses a real threat to systems running the affected versions of the Linux kernel.
Organizations using the Debian Linux kernel should be aware of the potential for exploitation. While no public exploit has been confirmed, the vulnerability is flagged as having high exploitability. Therefore, immediate action is required to address this weakness to prevent potential unauthorized access or system disruption.
To mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability, organizations are advised to implement the available patches as soon as possible. It is crucial to stay informed about the latest security updates and ensure that all systems are up to date.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-58054 occurs in the Linux kernel's max96712 media driver. The specific issue arises when the module is removed, leading to a kernel oops due to a pointer error. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.1, reflecting its high severity level. The affected product is the Linux kernel, particularly versions starting from 5.17 up to 6.12.12 and Debian Linux version 11.0.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of the vulnerability lies in the misuse of the i2c_set_clientdata() function in v4l2_i2c_subdev_init(). When the module is removed, the incorrect pointer is passed to the v4l2_async_unregister_subdev(), causing the kernel to crash. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have local access to exploit this vulnerability. The attack complexity is low, with low privileges required, and no user interaction is necessary to trigger the vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential system crashes and instability, which can disrupt services and lead to data loss. The blast radius for this vulnerability is significant, as it affects all systems running the specified versions of the Linux kernel. Given the exploitability score of 1.8, organizations should assess their risk posture and prioritize mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability based on its high severity.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the Linux kernel include those from 5.17 up to but not including 6.1.129, as well as versions 6.2 to 6.6.76, 6.7 to 6.12.13, and 6.13 to 6.13.2. Debian Linux version 11.0 is also affected. Organizations must ensure they upgrade to patched versions to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
This vulnerability highlights the importance of rigorous testing and validation of kernel modules prior to deployment. Organizations should conduct thorough reviews of their kernel configurations and actively monitor for security advisories. A proactive approach, including regular security assessments, can mitigate the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities arising in the future. Engaging in a red teaming exercise can also reveal potential weaknesses in module management and overall system security.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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