Thermal Zone Reference Count Vulnerability in Linux Kernel - CVE-2024-50028
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2024-50028: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: thermal: core: Reference count the zone in thermal_zone_get_by_id() There are places in the thermal netlink code where nothing prevents the thermal zone... 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, responsible for managing hardware resources and providing essential services to software applications. It is known for its robustness and flexibility, supporting a wide range of devices and architectures. However, vulnerabilities can arise, such as the one identified in CVE-2024-50028, which affects the thermal management subsystem of the kernel. This vulnerability can lead to improper handling of thermal zone objects, potentially causing system instability.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, specifically within the thermal management subsystem, a vulnerability has been identified where the thermal zone object can be accessed after it has been returned by the function thermal_zone_get_by_id(). This occurs due to a lack of reference counting, which means that the object may be deleted while still in use, leading to potential crashes or undefined behavior. The vulnerability is rooted in the thermal netlink code, where proper synchronization mechanisms were not implemented to prevent access to a deleted object.
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 available for this vulnerability other than applying the patch. It is recommended to monitor the system for any unusual behavior and to apply the update as soon as it is available.
Conclusion
The CVE-2024-50028 vulnerability in the Linux kernel highlights the importance of proper reference counting in managing thermal zone objects. Users are advised to update their systems to the patched version to mitigate potential risks associated with this vulnerability. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and identifying such vulnerabilities in real-time.
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FAQ
CVE-2024-50028 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's thermal management subsystem that can lead to system instability due to improper reference counting of thermal zone objects.
You can use Vulert, a tool that monitors open-source vulnerabilities, to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Visit Vulert Scanner to use the Vulert playground without any signup.
If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to crashes or undefined behavior in the system, particularly affecting thermal management and potentially causing overheating or hardware damage.
Yes, a patch has been released in version 6.11.4-1 of the Linux kernel. Users should update to this version or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
While there are no specific workarounds, it is crucial to monitor your system for unusual behavior and apply the update as soon as possible to ensure system stability and security.
References
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