CVE-2024-57984
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's dw_i3c_master driver allows attackers to potentially crash the system or execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This affects systems using the I3C bus controller hardware with the vulnerable driver loaded. The vulnerability occurs during module removal when a race condition between cleanup and work queue execution leads to accessing freed memory.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with dw_i3c_master 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash or potential privilege escalation to kernel mode allowing complete system compromise.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic causing denial of service, requiring physical access or reboot to restore functionality.
If Mitigated
No impact if the vulnerable driver module is not loaded or the system is patched.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger module removal while work queue is active. Timing the race condition adds complexity.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits: 60d2fb033a999bb644f8e8606ff4a1b82de36c6f, 9b0063098fcde17cd2894f2c96459b23388507ca, b75439c945b94dd8a2b645355bdb56f948052601, fc84dd3c909a372c0d130f5f84c404717c17eed8
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/60d2fb033a999bb644f8e8606ff4a1b82de36c6f
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution vendor. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify the dw_i3c_master driver is not vulnerable.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable dw_i3c_master module
LinuxPrevent loading of vulnerable kernel module
echo 'blacklist dw_i3c_master' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod dw_i3c_master
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Ensure only trusted users have CAP_SYS_MODULE capability to prevent module manipulation
- Monitor for suspicious module loading/unloading activity and implement strict access controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if dw_i3c_master module is loaded: lsmod | grep dw_i3c_master. If loaded, check kernel version against patched versions.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits and module is either not loaded or updated. Check dmesg for any use-after-free errors related to dw_i3c.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- Use-after-free errors in dmesg/kernel logs
- OOPs messages related to dw_i3c_master
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("use-after-free" OR "UAF" OR "dw_i3c" OR "kernel panic")