Critical Vulnerability in Linux Package: Kernel NULL Pointer Dereference in Timerlat
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2024-26703: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: tracing/timerlat: Move hrtimer_init to timerlat_fd open() Currently, the timerlat's hrtimer is initialized at the first read of timerlat_fd, and destroy... Affects linux versions < 6.7.7-1. Fixed in 6.7.7-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux package is a core component of the Debian operating system, providing essential functionalities for managing hardware and system resources. It is widely used across various distributions and is crucial for system stability and performance. This vulnerability affects the timerlat feature within the Linux kernel, which is used for measuring timer latency in real-time applications. The vulnerability arises from improper initialization of the hrtimer, leading to potential system crashes when the timerlat file descriptor is opened and closed without reading.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified in the timerlat feature where the hrtimer is initialized at the first read of the timerlat_fd and destroyed upon closing. This design flaw can lead to a kernel NULL pointer dereference if a user program opens and closes the timerlat_fd without performing a read operation. The resulting crash can cause significant disruptions, particularly in environments relying on real-time performance. The vulnerability has been documented under CVE-2024-26703.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.7.7-1
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 provided for this vulnerability. However, users are advised to avoid opening and closing the timerlat_fd without performing a read operation to prevent triggering the crash.
Conclusion
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-26703 poses a significant risk to systems using the Linux kernel, particularly affecting the timerlat feature. Users are encouraged to update their Linux packages to the latest patched version to ensure system stability and security. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
CVE-2024-26703 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to a kernel NULL pointer dereference when using the timerlat feature.
You can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By uploading your manifest file like package-lock.json, you can check for vulnerabilities without needing to install any software.
Exploiting this vulnerability can cause system crashes, leading to potential data loss and service interruptions, especially in real-time applications.
Yes, a patch is available in version 6.7.7-1 of the Linux package. Users should update to this version to mitigate the vulnerability.
You can use Vulert's playground to monitor and receive alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your applications in real-time.
References
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