CVE-2024-36976
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a potential deadlock vulnerability in the Linux kernel's V4L2 (Video for Linux 2) media subsystem. The vulnerability could cause system instability or denial of service when specific media control operations are performed. Systems using V4L2 drivers (particularly vivid driver) are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel
📦 What is this software?
Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
System deadlock leading to kernel panic, requiring hard reboot and potential data loss.
Likely Case
System hang or crash when media applications interact with V4L2 controls, causing denial of service.
If Mitigated
Minor performance impact from reverted functionality, but no security compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires specific timing and conditions to trigger deadlock. No known active exploitation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with revert commit 2e0ce54a9c5c7013b1257be044d99cbe7305e9f1 or eba63df7eb1f95df6bfb67722a35372b6994928d
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2e0ce54a9c5c7013b1257be044d99cbe7305e9f1
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing revert commit. 2. Check distribution-specific security advisories. 3. Reboot system after kernel update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable V4L2 vivid driver
linuxPrevent loading of the vivid driver module to avoid potential deadlock.
echo 'blacklist vivid' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-vivid.conf
rmmod vivid
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Avoid using V4L2 media controls on affected systems
- Monitor system logs for deadlock warnings and restart affected services
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if commit 9801b5b28c6929139d6fceeee8d739cc67bb2739 is present: git log --oneline | grep 9801b5b28c6929139d6fceeee8d739cc67bb2739Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify revert commit is present: git log --oneline | grep -E '2e0ce54a9c5c7013b1257be044d99cbe7305e9f1|eba63df7eb1f95df6bfb67722a35372b6994928d'📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel messages about possible deadlock in V4L2 controls
- System hangs when media applications are running
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("vivid_ctrls" OR "V4L2" OR "deadlock")