CVE-2024-23849 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record has been published on January 23, 2024, by MITRE. The vulnerability is identified as an off-by-one error in the Linux kernel, specifically in the function rds_recv_track_latency in net/rds/af_rds.c, which can result in out-of-bounds access due to a miscalculation in an RDS_MSG_RX_DGRAM_TRACE_MAX comparison.

Understanding CVE-2024-23849

This section will delve deeper into the details of CVE-2024-23849, outlining what it is and the impact it can have.

What is CVE-2024-23849?

CVE-2024-23849 is a vulnerability found in the Linux kernel's rds_recv_track_latency function in the file net/rds/af_rds.c. The issue stems from an off-by-one error in the RDS_MSG_RX_DGRAM_TRACE_MAX comparison, leading to out-of-bounds access.

The Impact of CVE-2024-23849

The presence of this vulnerability could potentially allow malicious actors to exploit the system, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information, manipulation of data, or even system crashes.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-23849

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2024-23849, including its vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from an off-by-one error in the comparison of RDS_MSG_RX_DGRAM_TRACE_MAX, resulting in unexpected out-of-bounds access within the Linux kernel.

Affected Systems and Versions

As per the CVE data, the affected vendor and product information is not available, suggesting a potential impact on various systems using the Linux kernel through version 6.7.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors could potentially exploit this vulnerability by triggering the off-by-one error in the RDS_MSG_RX_DGRAM_TRACE_MAX comparison, leading to unauthorized access and potential system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2024-23849, it is crucial to take immediate steps for mitigation and implement long-term security practices to safeguard systems and networks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Keep systems updated with the latest patches and security fixes.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust access controls and authentication mechanisms to restrict unauthorized access.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

It is recommended to apply patches released by the Linux kernel maintainers to address the off-by-one error in the RDS_MSG_RX_DGRAM_TRACE_MAX comparison and prevent potential exploits. Regularly updating systems can help in mitigating security risks and ensuring the overall resilience of the infrastructure.