Race Condition Vulnerability in Linux Kernel's Unix Domain Sockets
Summary
CVE-2024-36972: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: af_unix: Update unix_sk(sk)->oob_skb under sk_receive_queue lock. Affects linux versions < 6.1.94-1. Fixed in 6.1.94-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of Linux operating systems, responsible for managing hardware resources and providing essential services to software applications. It supports various functionalities, including process management, memory management, and networking. This vulnerability affects the Unix domain sockets, which facilitate inter-process communication on the same host. The issue arises from a race condition that can lead to a NULL pointer dereference, potentially causing system crashes or instability.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a race condition exists between the garbage collection of closed sockets and the queuing of out-of-band (OOB) messages. Specifically, the function __unix_gc() attempts to clean up sockets that have been closed, while concurrently, the queue_oob() function can update the OOB message buffer. If the garbage collector drops the reference to the OOB message buffer while it is being updated, it results in a NULL pointer dereference, leading to a kernel panic. This vulnerability was reported by Billy Jheng Bing-Jhong and has been classified as CVE-2024-36972.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.1.94-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linuxTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the kernel updates as specified in the 'how_to_fix' section.
Conclusion
CVE-2024-36972 represents a significant vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to serious system instability. It is essential for users to upgrade to the fixed versions of the kernel to protect their systems from potential exploitation. Regular monitoring for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert can also enhance security posture.
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FAQ
CVE-2024-36972 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel related to a race condition in Unix domain sockets that can lead to a NULL pointer dereference.
This vulnerability can cause kernel panics, leading to system crashes and potential data loss if exploited.
The vulnerability affects various versions of the Linux kernel prior to the fixed versions: 6.1.94-1 for Debian 12 and 6.9.7-1 for Debian 13.
You can use tools like 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.
While there are no specific workarounds, it is crucial to plan for an upgrade as soon as possible to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
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