CVE-2024-42224
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Marvell 88E6xxx Ethernet switch driver. The incorrect check for empty lists could cause kernel crashes or denial of service when accessing network interfaces using this driver. Systems running affected Linux kernel versions with Marvell 88E6xxx switch chips are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with Marvell 88E6xxx DSA driver
📦 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 →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 →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 complete denial of service, requiring physical or remote console access to reboot.
Likely Case
Local denial of service affecting network connectivity for interfaces using the vulnerable driver, potentially requiring system reboot.
If Mitigated
No impact if the vulnerable code path isn't triggered or if proper kernel hardening prevents exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access or ability to trigger the vulnerable code path through network operations. No public exploits known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in stable kernel versions via commits: 2a2fe25a103c, 3bf8d70e1455, 3f25b5f16354, 47d28dde1726, 4c7f3950a9fd
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2a2fe25a103cef73cde356e6d09da10f607e93f5
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 affected driver module
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable mv88e6xxx driver if not required
echo 'blacklist mv88e6xxx' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod mv88e6xxx
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict access to systems with vulnerable hardware to trusted users only
- Implement network segmentation to limit blast radius if denial of service occurs
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if Marvell 88E6xxx driver is loaded: lsmod | grep mv88e6xxxCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is patched and driver loads without issues📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- NULL pointer dereference errors in dmesg
- Network interface failures
Network Indicators:
- Sudden loss of connectivity on switch ports
- Interface state changes
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("NULL pointer dereference" OR "mv88e6xxx" OR "kernel panic")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2a2fe25a103cef73cde356e6d09da10f607e93f5
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3bf8d70e1455f87856640c3433b3660a31001618
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3f25b5f1635449036692a44b771f39f772190c1d
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/47d28dde172696031c880c5778633cdca30394ee
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4c7f3950a9fd53a62b156c0fe7c3a2c43b0ba19b
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8c2c3cca816d074c75a2801d1ca0dea7b0148114
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/aa03f591ef31ba603a4a99d05d25a0f21ab1cd89
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f75625db838ade28f032dacd0f0c8baca42ecde4
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2a2fe25a103cef73cde356e6d09da10f607e93f5
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3bf8d70e1455f87856640c3433b3660a31001618
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3f25b5f1635449036692a44b771f39f772190c1d
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/47d28dde172696031c880c5778633cdca30394ee
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4c7f3950a9fd53a62b156c0fe7c3a2c43b0ba19b
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8c2c3cca816d074c75a2801d1ca0dea7b0148114
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/aa03f591ef31ba603a4a99d05d25a0f21ab1cd89
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f75625db838ade28f032dacd0f0c8baca42ecde4
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/01/msg00001.html
