CVE-2024-57933
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's GVE (Google Virtual Ethernet) driver when handling XSK (AF_XDP) operations. The vulnerability can cause kernel crashes when XSK pools are enabled/disabled on interfaces that are down, affecting systems using GVE drivers with XSK functionality.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with GVE 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 and denial of service, potentially causing data loss or service disruption.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic when XSK operations are performed on downed network interfaces, resulting in denial of service.
If Mitigated
No impact if XSK functionality is not used or if interfaces are properly managed.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to manipulate network interface states. Not trivial to exploit remotely.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patched in kernel commits: 40338d7987d810fcaa95c500b1068a52b08eec9b, 771d66f2bd8c4dba1286a9163ab982cecd825718, 8e8d7037c89437af12725f454e2eaf40e8166c0f
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/40338d7987d810fcaa95c500b1068a52b08eec9b
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the patches. 2. Reboot system. 3. Verify kernel version and that patches are applied.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable XSK functionality
linuxPrevent use of AF_XDP sockets on GVE interfaces
# Ensure XSK is not configured on GVE interfaces
# Check with: ethtool -i <interface> | grep supports-xdp
# Avoid using XDP programs with GVE interfaces
Avoid interface state manipulation
linuxPrevent bringing GVE interfaces up/down while XSK is configured
# Monitor interface state changes
# Use: ip link show <interface>
# Avoid: ip link set <interface> down/up when XSK is active
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable GVE driver if not required for system functionality
- Implement strict access controls to prevent local users from manipulating network interface states
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if system uses GVE driver and XSK functionality: lsmod | grep gve; check kernel version against patched commitsCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes the patch commits: git log --oneline | grep -E '40338d7987d8|771d66f2bd8c|8e8d7037c894'📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- NULL pointer dereference errors in dmesg
- GVE driver crash messages
Network Indicators:
- Sudden network interface disappearance
- Unexpected interface state changes
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("NULL pointer dereference" OR "kernel panic" OR "gve")