CVE-2024-23851 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2024-23851 involves a vulnerability in the Linux kernel, specifically in the

copy_params

function located in

drivers/md/dm-ioctl.c

up to version 6.7.1. The issue arises due to a missing check on

param_kernel->data_size

, potentially allowing the allocation of more than

INT_MAX

bytes and leading to a system crash. The vulnerability is linked to

ctl_ioctl

.

Understanding CVE-2024-23851

This section will delve deeper into the nature of CVE-2024-23851 and its implications.

What is CVE-2024-23851?

CVE-2024-23851 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can be exploited through the

copy_params

function in

drivers/md/dm-ioctl.c

. By not verifying

param_kernel->data_size

, an attacker can trigger a system crash by attempting to allocate an excessive amount of memory.

The Impact of CVE-2024-23851

The impact of CVE-2024-23851 can be severe, potentially resulting in denial-of-service (DoS) conditions on systems running the affected versions of the Linux kernel. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to disrupt services or cause system instability.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-23851

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2024-23851, including how the vulnerability is described, which systems and versions are affected, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in

copy_params

within

drivers/md/dm-ioctl.c

allows for the allocation of more memory than the system can handle, leading to a crash due to the missing

param_kernel->data_size

check. This flaw poses a risk to the stability and availability of affected systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

Currently, the specific vendor, product, and versions affected by CVE-2024-23851 are undisclosed, highlighting the need for vigilance across various Linux kernel installations to address this vulnerability promptly.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2024-23851, attackers can leverage the missing check on

param_kernel->data_size

to manipulate memory allocation requests and potentially destabilize the system. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for implementing effective mitigation strategies.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2024-23851 involves taking immediate steps to address the vulnerability and implementing long-term security practices to enhance overall system resilience.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to monitor official sources for patches or updates addressing CVE-2024-23851 and promptly apply them to affected systems. Additionally, security teams should assess the impact of this vulnerability on their environment and prioritize actions accordingly.

Long-Term Security Practices

To bolster defenses against similar vulnerabilities in the future, organizations should focus on implementing robust security measures, such as regular vulnerability assessments, security training for staff, and proactive monitoring for emerging threats.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security advisories from relevant sources and promptly applying patches released by the Linux kernel maintainers is essential for safeguarding systems against CVE-2024-23851. Regularly updating software and implementing best practices for system maintenance can help prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.