CVE-2024-0607 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 01/18/2024
A flaw was found in the Netfilter subsystem in the Linux kernel. The issue is in the nft_byteorder_eval() function, where the code iterates through a loop and writes to the `dst` array. On each iteration, 8 bytes are written, but `dst` is an array of u32, so each element only has space for 4 bytes. That means every iteration overwrites part of the previous element corrupting this array of u32. This flaw allows a local user to cause a denial of service or potentially break NetFilter functionality.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0607 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the Linux kernel's Netfilter subsystem, specifically affecting the nft_byteorder_eval() function. This issue resides in the kernel's networking stack where the Netfilter framework handles packet filtering and manipulation operations. The flaw manifests as a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs during the processing of byte order conversion operations within the nftables framework, which is the userspace utility for configuring the Netfilter framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a fundamental mismatch between data types and memory allocation patterns within the nft_byteorder_eval() function. The code executes a loop that writes 8 bytes of data to a destination array designated as u32 elements, where each individual element can only accommodate 4 bytes of data. This type casting and memory access pattern creates a scenario where each iteration of the loop overwrites the upper 4 bytes of the previous u32 element, leading to systematic corruption of the destination array. The flaw is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though it manifests as a heap corruption issue within the kernel's memory management system. This type of memory corruption directly violates the principles outlined in the Linux kernel security model and can lead to unpredictable behavior in the networking subsystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially compromise the entire Netfilter functionality within the Linux kernel. A local attacker with access to the system can exploit this flaw to cause kernel crashes, leading to system instability and denial of service across all network services dependent on Netfilter rules. The corruption of the u32 array structure can result in cascading failures throughout the networking stack, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or more severe system compromise. According to ATT&CK framework category T1068, this vulnerability could be leveraged for privilege escalation, while T1499 covers the potential for system disruption and denial of service. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernel versions where the nftables framework is active, particularly those implementing complex packet filtering rules that utilize byte order conversion operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-0607 primarily focus on immediate kernel updates and system hardening measures. System administrators should prioritize applying the latest kernel patches from their respective distributions, as vendors have released fixes addressing this specific memory corruption issue. The patch typically involves correcting the memory access pattern in the nft_byteorder_eval() function to ensure proper alignment between the data being written and the destination array capacity. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and limiting local access to systems can reduce the attack surface for exploitation. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous network behavior or kernel crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel lockdown mechanisms and restricting the use of nftables rules that involve byte order conversion operations until the vulnerability is fully addressed through official patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough code review and testing for memory safety issues within kernel subsystems, particularly in networking components that handle high-frequency data processing operations.