Address Wraparound Vulnerability in Linux Kernel - Debian Packages
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2024-53111: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: mm/mremap: fix address wraparound in move_page_tables() On 32-bit platforms, it is possible for the expression len + old_addr < old_end to be false-posi... Affects linux versions < 6.11.10-1. Fixed in 6.11.10-1. 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 the Linux operating system, responsible for managing system resources and facilitating communication between hardware and software. It is widely used in various distributions, including Debian. The kernel is critical for system stability and security, and vulnerabilities can lead to significant issues, including data loss and system crashes. This specific vulnerability affects the memory remapping functionality, particularly on 32-bit platforms.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability exists in the memory remapping function (mremap) due to an address wraparound issue in the move_page_tables() function. On 32-bit platforms, the expression 'len + old_addr < old_end' can incorrectly evaluate to true if 'len + old_addr' wraps around. This can lead to mremap() mistakenly believing that page table entries (PTEs) have been copied, resulting in the loss of anonymous pages in the region when the new virtual memory area (VMA) is unmapped. This can cause the contents of a private-anonymous region to appear zeroed, leading to data loss.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.11.10-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linux
Tip — 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 patch by updating to the fixed version of the Linux kernel.
Conclusion
The address wraparound vulnerability in the Linux kernel poses a significant risk, particularly for users on 32-bit platforms. It is crucial to update to the patched version to ensure system stability and data integrity. Regular monitoring and vulnerability management practices, such as using Vulert, can help maintain a secure environment.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
The vulnerability is an address wraparound issue in the Linux kernel's memory remapping function, which can lead to data loss.
The vulnerability affects the Linux kernel versions prior to 6.11.10-1 on Debian 13 and 14.
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 advisable to prioritize updating the kernel as soon as possible to mitigate the risk.
This vulnerability can lead to data loss in private-anonymous memory regions, potentially compromising system integrity and user data.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.