External risk intelligence

Linux kernel could allow internal attacker to access sensitive system data

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2024-50302

An internal attacker can exploit a memory flaw in the Linux kernel by mimicking a connected hardware device. This allows them to read restricted system memory to steal cryptographic keys and credentials, which could let them bypass security controls and compromise sensitive company data.

1Halo Surface Signal

Google Android

11.0before 3.23.12 to before 4.19.3244.20 to before 5.4.2865.5 to before 5.10.2305.11 to before 5.15.1725.16 to before 6.1.1176.2 to before 6.6.616.7 to before 6.11.86.12

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2024-50302

This vulnerability is localized to the Linux kernel's Human Interface Device (HID) subsystem, requiring physical access to attach a malicious hardware device or local user access to emulate one. It cannot be exploited over a network, meaning there is no public-internet-facing attack surface.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel could allow sensitive information to be exposed. The issue arises from how the report buffer is handled, potentially leading to kernel memory leaks when processing specific inputs. Teams should pay attention because this could impact systems that process user input through HID devices.

  • Leaks sensitive kernel memory.
  • Requires local access.
  • Affects Linux systems.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker with local access could leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive data from kernel memory. This is achieved by sending a specially crafted HID report to the kernel, exploiting the fact that the report buffer is not zero-initialized. The leaked information could then be used to further compromise the system.

  • Local privilege escalation
  • Requires driver interaction
  • Kernel memory leak

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows for kernel memory leakage through specially crafted HID reports, a technique that attackers typically dislike due to its localized nature. Exploiting this requires direct physical access or complex local emulation, making it impractical for widespread or remote attacks.

  • Localized exploitation vector.
  • No current public exploits.
  • KEV listed, but impact is limited.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Teams should prioritize patching affected Linux kernel instances, as this vulnerability is actively exploited and allows for kernel memory leakage. If immediate patching is not feasible, focus on monitoring systems for suspicious HID report activity and isolating any potentially compromised systems.

  • Apply kernel patches.
  • Monitor for anomalous HID reports.
  • Isolate affected systems.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Linux kernel and how does CVE-2024-50302 exploit it?

The Linux kernel is the core of the Linux operating system, managing hardware and software interactions. CVE-2024-50302 exploits a weakness in the HID (Human Interface Device) subsystem of the kernel. Specifically, the report buffer used by HID drivers was not being zero-initialized during allocation. This allows an attacker with local access to send specially crafted HID reports, causing the kernel to leak uninitialized memory contents.

What is CWE-908 and how does it relate to CVE-2024-50302?

CWE-908 refers to the 'Use of Uninitialized Resource' weakness. CVE-2024-50302 falls under this category because the vulnerability arises from the Linux kernel's HID report buffer not being initialized with zeros before use. This uninitialized state allows sensitive data from previous operations to be potentially exposed.

How is CVE-2024-50302 triggered, and what is the scope of its impact?

The vulnerability is triggered by an attacker with local access who crafts and sends malicious HID reports to the Linux kernel. This can occur through a compromised USB HID device. The scope of the impact is primarily focused on kernel memory disclosure, potentially revealing sensitive information. While the attack vector is local and requires low privileges, its exploitation does not typically involve user interaction.

What is the significance of CVE-2024-50302 being on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog?

CVE-2024-50302's inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog signifies that it is actively being exploited in the wild. This highlights the need for immediate attention and patching, regardless of its CVSS score. Its exploitation has been documented, including its use in sophisticated exploit chains for forensic tools, posing a significant risk.

What actions should be taken to address CVE-2024-50302?

Organizations should prioritize applying the latest security patches for the Linux kernel provided by vendors. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider disabling untrusted USB HID devices or implementing strict access controls. Monitoring systems for suspicious HID-related activities is also recommended. Promptly updating affected systems is crucial to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

References