CVE-2024-0340 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 01/09/2024
A vulnerability was found in vhost_new_msg in drivers/vhost/vhost.c in the Linux kernel, which does not properly initialize memory in messages passed between virtual guests and the host operating system in the vhost/vhost.c:vhost_new_msg() function. This issue can allow local privileged users to read some kernel memory contents when reading from the /dev/vhost-net device file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0340 resides within the Linux kernel's virtualization subsystem, specifically in the vhost implementation located in drivers/vhost/vhost.c. This flaw affects the vhost_new_msg function which handles message processing between virtual machines and the host operating system through the /dev/vhost-net device interface. The vulnerability represents a classic case of improper initialization where memory allocated for message handling is not adequately cleared before use, creating potential information disclosure pathways that can be exploited by malicious actors with local privileged access.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate memory initialization practices within the vhost subsystem's message handling code. When the vhost_new_msg function processes incoming messages from virtual guests, it fails to properly initialize certain memory regions before populating them with data from the /dev/vhost-net device. This improper initialization means that sensitive kernel memory contents may persist in uninitialized memory areas, potentially exposing kernel stack data, heap contents, or other confidential information to unauthorized access. The vulnerability specifically manifests when local privileged users interact with the /dev/vhost-net device file, leveraging their elevated privileges to read kernel memory contents that should remain protected.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-0340 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to kernel memory structures that could reveal system internals, memory layout information, or other sensitive data that might aid in further exploitation attempts. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-1289, which describes improper initialization in kernel memory management, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for kernel-mode rootkits and T1063 for credential access through memory manipulation. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels that implement the vhost subsystem for virtualization, particularly those utilizing virtio networking drivers in virtualized environments where /dev/vhost-net is exposed to guest operating systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-0340 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. The primary recommendation involves applying the latest kernel updates from Linux kernel maintainers which contain the necessary fixes for proper memory initialization in the vhost_new_msg function. Organizations should prioritize patching systems running vulnerable kernel versions, particularly those hosting virtualized environments where /dev/vhost-net is actively used. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can reduce the attack surface by limiting which users or processes can access the /dev/vhost-net device file. Network segmentation and monitoring of virtualization interfaces can help detect anomalous access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider disabling vhost features when not required and implementing comprehensive memory integrity checks as part of their security monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting similar memory initialization flaws.