CVE-2024-41149
📋 TL;DR
This Linux kernel vulnerability involves a use-after-free condition in the block layer's hardware context (hctx) management during CPU hotplug operations. If exploited, it could allow local attackers to crash the system or potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. All Linux systems using affected kernel versions are vulnerable.
💻 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 →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
Local privilege escalation to root, kernel panic causing system crash, or arbitrary code execution at kernel level leading to complete system compromise.
Likely Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, requiring physical or remote console access to reboot.
If Mitigated
System crash requiring reboot, but no privilege escalation if kernel hardening features like KASLR and SMEP are enabled.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger CPU hotplug operations. Exploitation requires precise timing and memory manipulation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patches available in stable kernel branches via provided git commits
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/85672ca9ceeaa1dcf2777a7048af5f4aee3fd02b
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update to patched kernel version from your distribution vendor. 2. Download and apply patches from provided git commits if compiling custom kernel. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable CPU hotplug
allPrevent triggering of the vulnerable code path by disabling CPU hotplug functionality
echo 0 > /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpuX/online (for each CPU)
Add 'maxcpus=1' to kernel boot parameters to limit hotplug
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access and implement strict privilege separation
- Disable unnecessary block devices and monitor for system crashes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and compare with distribution's patched versions. Vulnerable if using unpatched kernel with CPU hotplug support.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version matches patched version from vendor. Check that git commit hashes from advisory are present in kernel source.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages
- System crash/panic logs
- Unexpected CPU offline/online events in syslog
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("Oops" OR "panic" OR "BUG") AND ("hctx" OR "block" OR "cpuhp")