CVE-2024-53076
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's IIO (Industrial I/O) subsystem, specifically in the gts-helper component. When the iio_gts_build_avail_scale_table() function encounters allocation failures during its error handling path, it fails to properly free previously allocated memory, leading to kernel memory exhaustion over time. This affects systems using IIO sensors with the gts-helper functionality.
💻 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 →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
Sustained exploitation could lead to kernel memory exhaustion, causing system instability, denial of service, or kernel panic/crash.
Likely Case
Memory leak gradually consumes kernel memory, potentially leading to system performance degradation or instability over time.
If Mitigated
With proper monitoring and memory limits, impact is limited to potential performance issues rather than complete system failure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires triggering specific error conditions in kernel memory allocation, typically requiring local access and specific hardware/software configuration.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with fixes from the referenced commits
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/369f05688911b05216cfcd6ca74473bec87948d7
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 package. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable IIO gts-helper module
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable kernel module if not required
echo 'blacklist gts_helper' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod gts_helper
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor kernel memory usage and system stability for signs of memory leaks
- Restrict access to IIO sensor interfaces to trusted users only
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if gts_helper module is loaded: 'lsmod | grep gts_helper' and 'uname -r'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated beyond fix commits and gts_helper module functions correctly📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages
- Memory allocation failure logs
- System instability reports
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
kernel: "gts_helper" OR "IIO" AND ("memory leak" OR "allocation failure")