Memory Management Vulnerability in Linux Kernel: CVE-2024-46842
Summary
CVE-2024-46842: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: scsi: lpfc: Handle mailbox timeouts in lpfc_get_sfp_info The MBX_TIMEOUT return code is not handled in lpfc_get_sfp_info and the routine unconditionally... Affects linux versions 5.10.103-1 – 6.9.9-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of Linux operating systems, responsible for managing hardware resources and providing essential services to applications. It supports a wide range of functionalities, including process management, memory management, and device control. This vulnerability specifically affects the lpfc driver, which is used for Fibre Channel storage networking. The issue arises from improper handling of mailbox timeouts, leading to potential memory corruption and system instability.
Vulnerability Detail
CVE-2024-46842 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's lpfc driver, where the MBX_TIMEOUT return code is not adequately handled in the lpfc_get_sfp_info function. This oversight results in the unconditional freeing of submitted mailbox commands, regardless of the return status. Consequently, if the firmware returns SFP information after a timeout, the mailbox memory region may reference previously freed memory, leading to undefined behavior and potential system crashes. This vulnerability poses a risk to system stability and data integrity, particularly in environments relying on Fibre Channel storage.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can increase the timeout duration for mailbox operations in their boot scripts from 30 seconds to 60 seconds. This adjustment may help mitigate the issue until the kernel is updated with the official patch.
Conclusion
CVE-2024-46842 represents a significant vulnerability in the Linux kernel's lpfc driver, with the potential to impact system stability and data integrity. Users are advised to apply the necessary updates to their kernel and consider temporary workarounds until the patch is implemented. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor for such vulnerabilities effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
CVE-2024-46842 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's lpfc driver that involves improper handling of mailbox timeouts, potentially leading to memory corruption.
This vulnerability can cause system instability and crashes, particularly in environments using Fibre Channel storage, as it may lead to referencing freed memory.
You should update your Linux kernel to the latest version that includes the patch for CVE-2024-46842 to mitigate the risk.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. You can check your application against this vulnerability using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Vulert is a tool that monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software using a manifest file like package-lock.json, providing real-time alerts without requiring code access or installation.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.
