CVE-2024-58093
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's PCI/ASPM subsystem that can cause kernel crashes or potential privilege escalation when PCIe devices are hot-unplugged. This affects systems with PCIe switches that have multi-function devices (MFD) on upstream ports, particularly during device removal operations.
💻 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 →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, potential privilege escalation if an attacker can trigger the use-after-free condition to execute arbitrary code in kernel context.
Likely Case
System instability or crashes during PCIe device hot-unplug operations, especially in virtualized environments or servers with frequent hardware changes.
If Mitigated
Minor system instability during device removal if proper access controls prevent unauthorized device manipulation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires ability to trigger PCIe device removal operations, typically requiring local access and appropriate privileges. The vulnerability is triggered during normal system operations (hot-unplug).
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel commit cbf937dcadfd571a434f8074d057b32cd14fbea5 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/cbf937dcadfd571a434f8074d057b32cd14fbea5
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update to a kernel version containing commit cbf937dcadfd571a434f8074d057b32cd14fbea5
2. Check with your Linux distribution for backported patches
3. Reboot the system after kernel update
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable ASPM
linuxDisable Active State Power Management to prevent the vulnerable code path
echo 0 > /sys/module/pcie_aspm/parameters/policy
Restrict PCIe hot-unplug
linuxPrevent unauthorized PCIe device removal operations
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable ASPM using kernel boot parameter: pcie_aspm=off
- Restrict physical access to PCIe slots and implement strict change control for hardware modifications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if commit cbf937dcadfd571a434f8074d057b32cd14fbea5 is present: git log --oneline | grep -i 'cbf937dcadfd'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes the fix commit: uname -r and check with distribution patch notes📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- GPF (General Protection Fault) errors
- PCI/ASPM related crash reports
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("GPF" OR "use-after-free" OR "ASPM" OR "PCIe")