CVE-2024-39464
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's V4L2 async notifier subsystem. When csi2_async_register() fails (e.g., due to a disabled remote endpoint node), subsequent calls to v4l2_async_nf_unregister() cause a kernel panic. This affects Linux systems using V4L2 camera subsystems.
💻 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 →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
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, potentially causing data loss or service disruption.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic when specific V4L2 camera operations fail, resulting in denial of service.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if systems don't use V4L2 camera subsystems or have proper monitoring/restart mechanisms.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires triggering specific V4L2 camera registration failure conditions. Likely requires local access or control of camera hardware.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with commit 44f6d619c30f0c65fcdd2b6eba70fdb4460d87ad or later
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/44f6d619c30f0c65fcdd2b6eba70fdb4460d87ad
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version. 2. Check distribution-specific security advisories. 3. Reboot system after kernel update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable V4L2 camera subsystems
linuxPrevent use of vulnerable V4L2 async notifier by disabling camera hardware support
modprobe -r v4l2_common
blacklist v4l2_common in /etc/modprobe.d/
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict camera hardware access to trusted users only
- Implement system monitoring to detect and restart systems experiencing kernel panics
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and verify if V4L2 camera subsystems are loaded: lsmod | grep v4l2Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes the fix commit: uname -r and check kernel changelog📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- NULL pointer dereference errors mentioning v4l2_async_nf_unregister
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local kernel vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("NULL pointer dereference" OR "kernel panic") AND "v4l2"🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/44f6d619c30f0c65fcdd2b6eba70fdb4460d87ad
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6d8acd02c4c6a8f917eefac1de2e035521ca119d
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a80d1da923f671c1e6a14e8417cd2f117b27a442
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/44f6d619c30f0c65fcdd2b6eba70fdb4460d87ad
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6d8acd02c4c6a8f917eefac1de2e035521ca119d
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a80d1da923f671c1e6a14e8417cd2f117b27a442
