Critical Deadlock Vulnerability in Linux Kernel Package - CVE-2024-49976
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2024-49976: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: tracing/timerlat: Drop interface_lock in stop_kthread() stop_kthread() is the offline callback for "trace/osnoise:online", since commit 5bfbcd1ee57b ("t... Affects linux versions < 6.11.4-1. Fixed in 6.11.4-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of many operating systems, providing essential services for hardware management, process control, and system security. It is widely used in various distributions, including Debian. The kernel's functionality is crucial for system stability and performance, making it a prime target for vulnerabilities that could disrupt operations.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a deadlock vulnerability has been identified in the tracing/timerlat subsystem. This issue arises from the improper handling of the interface_lock in the stop_kthread() function, which is responsible for stopping kernel threads associated with CPU hotplugging. The vulnerability can lead to an ABBA deadlock scenario, where multiple threads are waiting on each other, potentially causing system hangs or crashes. The problem was introduced in commit 5bfbcd1ee57b, which added the interface_lock around the clearing of the kthread in stop_kthread(). The vulnerability affects both Debian 13 and 14 versions of the Linux package.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.11.4-1
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 available patch by updating the package as described above.
Conclusion
The CVE-2024-49976 vulnerability in the Linux kernel poses a significant risk of deadlocks, affecting system stability. Users are strongly encouraged to update their Linux packages to the patched version 6.11.4-1 to protect against this vulnerability. Regular monitoring and updates are essential for maintaining system security.
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FAQ
CVE-2024-49976 is a critical deadlock vulnerability found in the Linux kernel's tracing/timerlat subsystem, which can lead to system hangs.
This vulnerability can cause deadlocks in the kernel, potentially leading to system instability and crashes during CPU hotplug operations.
The vulnerability affects Debian versions 13 and 14 of the Linux package prior to version 6.11.4-1.
You can use tools like Vulert to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected.
While there are no specific workarounds, it is recommended to prioritize updating your system to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
References
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