CVE-2024-50005
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a race condition vulnerability in the Linux kernel's IEEE 802.15.4 (WPAN) subsystem where improper RCU (Read-Copy-Update) handling could lead to use-after-free or memory corruption. Systems using the mac802154 subsystem for wireless personal area networks (like Zigbee, 6LoWPAN) are affected. The vulnerability requires local access to exploit.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic, system crash, or potential privilege escalation leading to full system compromise if combined with other vulnerabilities.
Likely Case
System instability, kernel crashes, or denial of service affecting WPAN functionality.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper access controls preventing local user exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and specific conditions to trigger the race condition. No public exploits known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patches available in stable kernel trees (commits: 540138377b22f601f06f55ebfa3ca171dcab471a, bff1709b3980bd7f80be6786f64cc9a9ee9e56da, d18f669461811dfe2915d5554ab2a9834f810013, e676e4ea76bbe7f1156d8c326b9b6753849481c2)
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/540138377b22f601f06f55ebfa3ca171dcab471a
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update to latest stable kernel version containing the fix. 2. Check your distribution's security advisories for specific patched kernel versions. 3. Reboot system after kernel update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable mac802154 subsystem
linuxDisable the vulnerable WPAN subsystem if not needed
modprobe -r mac802154
echo 'blacklist mac802154' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to prevent potential exploitation
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for unusual system behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if mac802154 module is loaded: lsmod | grep mac802154. If loaded and kernel version is unpatched, system may be vulnerable.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Check kernel version against patched versions from distribution vendor. Verify mac802154 module loads without issues.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- System crash dumps
- mac802154 related error messages in dmesg
Network Indicators:
- Unusual WPAN traffic patterns if exploited
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel panic events or mac802154 module errors in system logs