CVE-2024-57801
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's mlx5e network driver allows attackers to potentially crash the kernel or execute arbitrary code. This affects systems using Mellanox network adapters with the mlx5e driver loaded. Attackers need local access to exploit this vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with mlx5e 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
Kernel panic leading to system crash or potential privilege escalation to kernel-level code execution
Likely Case
Kernel crash causing system instability or denial of service
If Mitigated
No impact if proper access controls prevent local attackers from triggering the vulnerable code path
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and ability to trigger driver unload sequence. Timing and memory manipulation make exploitation non-trivial.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with commits 3e45dd1622a2c1a83c11bf42fdd8c1810123d6c0, 47c78d3fc26e38ab805613a0f592dc8a820c7c64, or 5a03b368562a7ff5f5f1f63b5adf8309cbdbd5be
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3e45dd1622a2c1a83c11bf42fdd8c1810123d6c0
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. For distributions: Use package manager to update kernel package. 3. Rebuild kernel if using custom kernel. 4. No reboot required for live kernel updates if supported.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable mlx5e driver if not needed
LinuxPrevent loading of vulnerable driver module
echo 'blacklist mlx5_core' > /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-mlx5.conf
update-initramfs -u
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to prevent exploitation
- Implement strict privilege separation and limit who can load/unload kernel modules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if mlx5_core module is loaded: lsmod | grep mlx5_core. Check kernel version against patched versions.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits. Check dmesg for mlx5e driver errors during network interface operations.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- mlx5e driver crash logs in dmesg
- Use-after-free warnings in kernel logs
Network Indicators:
- Sudden loss of network connectivity on Mellanox interfaces
- Interface state changes without user action
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("mlx5e" OR "use-after-free" OR "general protection fault")