CVE-2024-53218
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's F2FS filesystem driver. Concurrent calls to f2fs_stop_gc_thread() during filesystem shutdown can cause a race condition leading to kernel memory corruption. This affects Linux systems using the F2FS filesystem.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, potentially allowing local privilege escalation if combined with other vulnerabilities.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic when F2FS filesystem is being unmounted or shutdown concurrently from multiple processes.
If Mitigated
No impact if the system doesn't use F2FS filesystem or if proper locking prevents concurrent shutdown operations.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger concurrent F2FS shutdown operations. Race conditions can be difficult to reliably exploit.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commits 60457ed6c67625c87861f96912b4179dc2293896 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/60457ed6c67625c87861f96912b4179dc2293896
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 with 'uname -r'.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Avoid F2FS usage
linuxDo not use F2FS filesystem on affected systems
# Check for F2FS mounts: mount | grep f2fs
# Unmount F2FS partitions if found
Limit concurrent filesystem operations
linuxAvoid concurrent shutdown or unmount operations on F2FS filesystems
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Avoid using F2FS filesystem on production systems
- Implement strict access controls to prevent users from triggering filesystem shutdown operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if system uses F2FS: 'mount | grep -i f2fs' and check kernel version against affected versionsCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version contains fix commits: 'uname -r' and check kernel changelog for commits 60457ed6c67625c87861f96912b4179dc2293896 or related📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in /var/log/messages or dmesg
- General protection fault errors related to f2fs_stop_gc_thread
- Oops messages with F2FS stack traces
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local filesystem vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel panic or Oops messages containing 'f2fs_stop_gc_thread' or 'general protection fault' in system logs