CVE-2024-50041
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a race condition vulnerability in the Linux kernel's i40e network driver that can cause memory leaks when multiple threads concurrently modify MAC filter hash tables. The vulnerability affects systems using Intel Ethernet 700 Series controllers with Virtual Functions (VFs) configured. Exploitation requires local access and specific macvlan operations.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with i40e 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 →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
Memory exhaustion leading to system instability, denial of service, or kernel panic if repeated exploitation causes significant memory leaks.
Likely Case
Gradual memory consumption over time when macvlan operations are performed concurrently, potentially causing performance degradation or application failures.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper access controls preventing unauthorized local users from performing macvlan operations.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access, specific hardware configuration, and concurrent macvlan operations. No public exploits known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commits 703c4d820b31bcadf465288d5746c53445f02a55 and related fixes
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/703c4d820b31bcadf465288d5746c53445f02a55
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to update kernel. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable macvlan operations
linuxPrevent macvlan configuration changes on affected interfaces
# Limit macvlan operations through access controls
# Consider disabling VF configuration if not needed
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to prevent unauthorized macvlan operations
- Monitor system memory usage for unusual increases and restart affected services if leaks occur
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and i40e driver configuration: 1. Run 'uname -r' to check kernel version. 2. Check if i40e driver is loaded with 'lsmod | grep i40e'. 3. Verify if VFs are configured.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
1. Verify kernel version includes fix commits. 2. Check kernel changelog for i40e mac_filter_hash fixes. 3. Test macvlan operations while monitoring memory usage.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages related to i40e driver
- Memory allocation failures in kernel logs
- System instability reports after macvlan operations
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local memory management issue
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("i40e" OR "mac_filter_hash") AND ("panic" OR "oops" OR "memory")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/703c4d820b31bcadf465288d5746c53445f02a55
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8831abff1bd5b6bc8224f0c0671f46fbd702b5b2
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9a9747288ba0a9ad4f5c9877f18dd245770ad64e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9db6ce9e2738b05a3672aff4d42169cf3bb5a3e3
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/dac6c7b3d33756d6ce09f00a96ea2ecd79fae9fb
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/01/msg00001.html
