CVE-2024-45019
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a race condition vulnerability in the Linux kernel's mlx5e network driver where the state lock wasn't properly acquired during tx timeout reporter operations. This could lead to system instability or denial of service. Systems using Mellanox network adapters with affected Linux kernel versions are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel mlx5e 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
System crash or kernel panic leading to complete denial of service, potentially requiring physical reboot of affected servers.
Likely Case
Network interface instability, packet loss, or temporary network connectivity issues requiring driver reload or interface restart.
If Mitigated
Minor performance impact during network stress conditions with proper monitoring in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and ability to trigger network timeout conditions on Mellanox interfaces.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commit 03d3734bd692affe4d0e9c9d638f491aaf37411b or later
Vendor Advisory: https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/01/msg00001.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commit. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify mlx5e driver is functioning correctly.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable mlx5e driver
linuxTemporarily disable the affected network driver if Mellanox adapters are not critical
modprobe -r mlx5_core
echo 'blacklist mlx5_core' > /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-mlx5.conf
Network interface monitoring
linuxMonitor network interfaces for timeout events and restart interfaces if issues occur
# Monitor for tx timeout events in dmesg
dmesg | grep -i 'tx timeout'
# Restart interface if needed
ifdown ethX && ifup ethX
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network monitoring for tx timeout events and interface errors
- Consider replacing Mellanox adapters with alternative hardware if patching is not possible
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if mlx5e driver is loaded: 'uname -r' and 'lsmod | grep mlx5'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version contains fix commit and monitor dmesg for tx timeout stability📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel messages about tx timeouts
- mlx5e driver error messages
- Network interface resets in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Sudden network interface drops
- Increased packet loss on Mellanox interfaces
- Interface state flapping
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("tx timeout" OR "mlx5e" OR "network interface down")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/03d3734bd692affe4d0e9c9d638f491aaf37411b
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8e57e66ecbdd2fddc9fbf3e984b1c523b70e9809
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b3b9a87adee97854bcd71057901d46943076267e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e6b5afd30b99b43682a7764e1a74a42fe4d5f4b3
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/01/msg00001.html
