CVE-2024-27037: linux-libc-dev - Prevent null pointer dereference caused by kmalloc failure
Summary
CVE-2024-27037: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: clk: zynq: Prevent null pointer dereference caused by kmalloc failure The kmalloc() in zynq_clk_setup() will return null if the physical memory has run... Affects linux versions 5.10.103-1 – 6.9.9-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The linux-libc-dev package is a development package that provides the necessary header files and libraries for compiling C programs that use the Linux kernel interfaces. It is an essential component for building and running applications on Linux systems. This package is widely used in various Linux distributions, including Debian. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-27037 affects the linux-libc-dev package and can lead to a null pointer dereference due to a kmalloc failure.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the kmalloc() function in the zynq_clk_setup() function of the Linux kernel. If the physical memory is exhausted, kmalloc() returns null. Subsequently, if snprintf() is used to write data to the null address, a null pointer dereference bug occurs. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or potentially execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected process. The severity of this vulnerability is rated as MEDIUM with a CVSS score of 5.5.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a workaround, users can avoid triggering the vulnerability by ensuring that the system has sufficient physical memory available. Monitoring memory usage and taking appropriate actions to prevent memory exhaustion can help mitigate the risk of this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The CVE-2024-27037 vulnerability in the linux-libc-dev package can lead to a null pointer dereference due to a kmalloc failure. It is crucial to update the package to a patched version provided by the official Linux distribution to mitigate the risk. Regularly monitoring memory usage and taking appropriate measures to prevent memory exhaustion can also help reduce the vulnerability's impact. For further assistance and support in addressing this vulnerability, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
linux-libc-dev is a development package that provides header files and libraries for compiling C programs that use Linux kernel interfaces.
kmalloc() is a function in the Linux kernel used for allocating memory. It returns a pointer to the allocated memory or null if the allocation fails.
A null pointer dereference occurs when a program attempts to access or manipulate memory using a null pointer, leading to a crash or potentially exploitable behavior.
This vulnerability can result in a denial-of-service (DoS) condition or allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected process.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level.
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