CVE-2024-0641 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A denial of service vulnerability was found in tipc_crypto_key_revoke in the Linux kernel’s TIPC subsystem, identified as CVE-2024-0641. This flaw can be triggered by local users with specific privileges, potentially leading to a deadlock situation and system crashes.

Understanding CVE-2024-0641

This section dives into the details of the CVE-2024-0641 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2024-0641?

CVE-2024-0641 is a denial of service vulnerability present in the tipc_crypto_key_revoke function within the TIPC subsystem of the Linux kernel. Attackers with local user privileges can exploit this flaw to induce a deadlock, which may result in system instability or crashes.

The Impact of CVE-2024-0641

The impact of CVE-2024-0641 is rated as moderate, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 4.7. While the confidentiality and integrity of the system are not compromised, the availability of the system is significantly affected, leading to potential service disruptions.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-0641

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of CVE-2024-0641 including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows local users to trigger a deadlock in the tipc_crypto_key_revoke function, potentially resulting in system crashes or instability.

Affected Systems and Versions

Linux Kernel versions prior to 6.6-rc5 are affected by this vulnerability.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6, 7, 8, and 9 are impacted by this vulnerability.
Fedora systems are unaffected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Local users with certain privileges can exploit the tipc_crypto_key_revoke function to trigger a deadlock, leading to denial of service conditions on the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section covers the steps that can be taken to mitigate the impact of CVE-2024-0641 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Red Hat recommends keeping systems up to date with the latest security patches and updates to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2024-0641. Additionally, monitoring system logs for any unusual activity can help in early detection of potential exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing the principle of least privilege, where users are granted only the necessary permissions, can reduce the likelihood of unauthorized users exploiting vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-0641. Regular security audits and vulnerability scans should also be conducted to identify and address potential security gaps.

Patching and Updates

Users are advised to apply the patches released by the respective vendors to address CVE-2024-0641. Regularly updating the Kernel and related components to the latest versions can help in fortifying the system against known vulnerabilities.