CVE-2024-50071
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a double-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Nuvoton pinctrl driver. When exploited, it can cause kernel memory corruption leading to system crashes or potential privilege escalation. Systems running affected Linux kernel versions with Nuvoton hardware are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with Nuvoton pinctrl 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 denial of service, or potential privilege escalation to root if an attacker can trigger controlled memory corruption.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic when the vulnerable driver function is called, resulting in denial of service.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if system doesn't use Nuvoton pinctrl hardware or has proper kernel hardening features enabled.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger the vulnerable driver function. No public exploits known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commits 3fd976afe9743110f20a23f93b7ff9693f2be4bf or 6441d9c3d71b59c8fd27d4e381c7471a32ac1a68
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3fd976afe9743110f20a23f93b7ff9693f2be4bf
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify kernel version after reboot.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Nuvoton pinctrl module
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable driver if not needed
echo 'blacklist ma35_pinctrl' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod ma35_pinctrl
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Ensure only trusted users have local access to systems with Nuvoton hardware
- Implement kernel hardening features like KASLR and stack protection
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if ma35_pinctrl module is loaded: lsmod | grep ma35_pinctrlCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Check kernel version contains fix commits: grep -q '3fd976afe9743110f20a23f93b7ff9693f2be4bf\|6441d9c3d71b59c8fd27d4e381c7471a32ac1a68' /proc/version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- OOM killer activity
- System crash/reboot logs
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "Oops" OR "BUG") AND process="ma35_pinctrl"