CVE-2024-53115
📋 TL;DR
This CVE addresses a null pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's vmwgfx driver. If exploited, it could cause a kernel panic or system crash, affecting systems using VMware graphics drivers with specific configurations. The vulnerability requires local access to trigger.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with vmwgfx 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 →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 system crash and denial of service, potentially causing data loss or system instability.
Likely Case
Local denial of service through kernel crash or system instability when specific graphics operations are performed.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper access controls and monitoring in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and specific conditions to trigger the vulnerability. No public exploit code identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check specific kernel versions containing commits 36f64da080555175b58d85f99f5f90435e274e56 and 93d1f41a82de382845af460bf03bcb17dcbf08c5
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/36f64da080555175b58d85f99f5f90435e274e56
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify vmwgfx driver is functioning correctly.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vmwgfx driver
linuxRemove or blacklist the vmwgfx driver if not needed
echo 'blacklist vmwgfx' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-vmwgfx.conf
update-initramfs -u
reboot
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems using vmwgfx driver
- Implement strict privilege separation and monitor for kernel panic events
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if vmwgfx module is loaded: 'lsmod | grep vmwgfx' and 'uname -r'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits and vmwgfx module loads without issues📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- System crash logs
- vmwgfx driver error messages
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
Search for 'kernel panic' or 'Oops' in system logs on hosts with vmwgfx driver