CVE-2024-46833
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an array index out-of-bounds vulnerability in the HNS3 network driver of the Linux kernel. An attacker could potentially cause kernel memory corruption by sending specially crafted network packets to affected systems. This affects Linux systems using the HNS3 driver for Huawei network hardware.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with HNS3 network 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, or potential arbitrary code execution in kernel context resulting in complete system compromise.
Likely Case
System crash or instability due to kernel memory corruption, leading to denial of service.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if system is properly segmented and network access is restricted to trusted sources.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires network access to the vulnerable interface and knowledge of the hardware's tnl_num value.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits 86db7bfb06704ef17340eeae71c832f21cfce35c or c33a9806dc806bcb4a31dc71fb06979219181ad4
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/86db7bfb06704ef17340eeae71c832f21cfce35c
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify HNS3 driver is loaded with patched kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable HNS3 driver
linuxRemove or blacklist the HNS3 kernel module if not required
echo 'blacklist hns3' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-hns3.conf
rmmod hns3
Network segmentation
linuxRestrict network access to interfaces using HNS3 driver
iptables -A INPUT -i <interface> -j DROP
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate systems with HNS3 hardware
- Monitor system logs for kernel panics or unusual network driver behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if HNS3 driver is loaded: lsmod | grep hns3. If loaded, check kernel version against patched versions.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits and HNS3 driver loads without errors in dmesg.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- HNS3 driver error messages in dmesg
- System crash reports
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network traffic to HNS3 interfaces
- Sudden network interface failures
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "hns3" OR "array index out of bounds")