CVE-2024-0646 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2024-0646 analysis provides an in-depth understanding of the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2024-0646

The CVE-2024-0646 vulnerability pertains to the Linux kernel's Transport Layer Security (TLS) functionality, specifically in the way an out-of-bounds memory write flaw occurs when a user invokes the

splice

function with a ktls socket as the destination. This flaw can potentially enable a local user to crash the system or escalate their privileges.

What is CVE-2024-0646?

CVE-2024-0646 is an out-of-bounds memory write vulnerability found in the Linux kernel's TLS functionality. Exploiting this flaw could lead to local system crashes or privilege escalation by a user.

The Impact of CVE-2024-0646

The impact of CVE-2024-0646 is rated as "Important" by Red Hat. With a CVSS base score of 7 and high severity ratings for confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-0646

The technical details of CVE-2024-0646 encompass vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds memory write flaw in the Linux kernel's TLS functionality, triggered when a user makes a function call to

splice

with a ktls socket as the destination.

Affected Systems and Versions

Linux kernel version 6.7-rc5 is unaffected.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux versions 6, 7, 8, and 9 are affected.
Red Hat Virtualization 4 is marked as unknown.
Fedora operating system is affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a local user through the misuse of the

splice

function with a ktls socket as the destination, leading to potential system crashes or privilege escalation.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2024-0646 is crucial for maintaining system security and integrity.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the vulnerability, it is recommended to prevent the module "tls" from being loaded. Refer to the provided link for instructions on blacklisting a kernel module to prevent automatic loading.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures and best practices is essential for long-term protection against such vulnerabilities. Regular security audits, monitoring, and access controls can enhance system resilience.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by relevant vendors, especially for affected systems like Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Fedora. Promptly applying patches is vital to address vulnerabilities and enhance system security.