CVE-2024-47711
📋 TL;DR
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's AF_UNIX socket implementation when handling out-of-band (OOB) data. An attacker could exploit this to cause kernel memory corruption, potentially leading to system crashes or arbitrary code execution. Any system running an affected Linux kernel version with AF_UNIX sockets enabled is 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic, system crash, or potential arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges leading to complete system compromise.
Likely Case
System instability, crashes, or denial of service affecting applications using AF_UNIX sockets.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if AF_UNIX sockets are not used or if the system is patched; potential performance degradation if workarounds are applied.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability was discovered through syzkaller fuzzing. Exploitation requires the attacker to have local access and control over AF_UNIX socket communication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits 4a7f9a2591a923bdde4bd7eac33490b6ae3b257c and 5aa57d9f2d5311f19434d95b2a81610aa263e23b
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4a7f9a2591a923bdde4bd7eac33490b6ae3b257c
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to a version containing the fix commits. 2. Check with your distribution vendor for specific patched kernel packages. 3. Reboot the system after kernel update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable AF_UNIX sockets
linuxRemove or disable AF_UNIX socket functionality if not required (not recommended for most systems as it breaks many services).
Not recommended - would require kernel reconfiguration and break system functionality
Restrict socket access
linuxUse SELinux/AppArmor to restrict which processes can create and use AF_UNIX sockets.
Configure appropriate SELinux/AppArmor policies for your applications
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict process isolation and least privilege principles to limit potential impact
- Monitor system logs for kernel panics or unusual AF_UNIX socket activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and compare with patched versions from your distribution. Vulnerable if running kernel before fix commits.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes the fix commits or check with your distribution's security advisory.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- KASAN reports of use-after-free in unix_stream_recv_urg
- System crashes related to AF_UNIX operations
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - this is a local IPC vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel logs containing 'KASAN: slab-use-after-free' or 'unix_stream_recv_urg'