CVE-2024-42280
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's mISDN subsystem, specifically in the hfcmulti_tx() function. Attackers could potentially exploit this to cause kernel crashes, privilege escalation, or arbitrary code execution. Systems using mISDN hardware drivers 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 →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, or privilege escalation allowing attackers to gain root access and execute arbitrary code.
Likely Case
Kernel crash causing denial of service, potentially requiring system reboot.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if mISDN drivers are not loaded or used, with potential for system instability.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access or ability to trigger the vulnerable code path through mISDN hardware interaction.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Multiple stable kernel versions with fixes available (see references)
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4d8b642985ae24f4b3656438eb8489834a17bb80
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 mISDN module
linuxUnload mISDN kernel module if not needed
sudo rmmod mISDN_core
sudo rmmod mISDN_dsp
sudo rmmod mISDN_hfcmulti
Blacklist mISDN modules
linuxPrevent mISDN modules from loading at boot
echo 'blacklist mISDN_core' | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-misdn.conf
echo 'blacklist mISDN_dsp' | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-misdn.conf
echo 'blacklist mISDN_hfcmulti' | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-misdn.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems with mISDN hardware
- Implement strict privilege separation and limit root access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if mISDN modules are loaded: lsmod | grep -i misdnCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Check kernel version is patched: uname -r and compare with distribution security advisories📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- OOM killer activity related to kernel memory
Network Indicators:
- Unusual mISDN hardware activity if monitored
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "Oops" OR "general protection fault")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4d8b642985ae24f4b3656438eb8489834a17bb80
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/61ab751451f5ebd0b98e02276a44e23a10110402
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/70db2c84631f50e02e6b32b543700699dd395803
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/7e4a539bca7d8d20f2c5d93c18cce8ef77cd78e0
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8f4030277dfb9dbe04fd78566b19931097c9d629
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9460ac3dd1ae033bc2b021a458fb535a0c36ddb2
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d3e4d4a98c5629ccdcb762a0ff6c82ba9738a0c3
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ddc79556641ee070d36be0de4a1f0a16a71f1fc7
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2024/10/msg00003.html
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/01/msg00001.html
