CVE-2024-24856 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 04/17/2024
The memory allocation function ACPI_ALLOCATE_ZEROED does not guarantee a successful allocation, but the subsequent code directly dereferences the pointer that receives it, which may lead to null pointer dereference.
To fix this issue, a null pointer check should be added. If it is null, return exception code AE_NO_MEMORY.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-24856 represents a critical memory management flaw within the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) subsystem of operating systems. This issue manifests in the ACPI_ALLOCATE_ZEROED memory allocation function which is designed to allocate and initialize memory blocks to zero. The function's primary purpose is to provide a standardized method for allocating memory within the ACPI environment, particularly for data structures that require zero-initialization to ensure proper system operation. The flaw occurs when the allocation function fails to secure the requested memory block, yet the calling code does not validate the allocation result before proceeding with memory dereferencing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the ACPI memory management framework. When ACPI_ALLOCATE_ZEROED encounters a memory allocation failure, it returns a null pointer to indicate the unsuccessful allocation attempt. However, subsequent code components within the ACPI execution environment directly dereference this returned pointer without proper validation checks. This pattern creates a scenario where a null pointer dereference exception occurs, potentially leading to system crashes, kernel panics, or more severe operational failures. The vulnerability directly violates fundamental memory safety principles and represents a classic example of improper error handling in system-level code.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to system stability and reliability, particularly in embedded systems, servers, or devices that heavily rely on ACPI for power management and hardware configuration. The null pointer dereference can result in immediate system termination, making it a critical concern for enterprise environments where system uptime is paramount. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to cause denial of service conditions, leading to system crashes that may require manual intervention or complete system reboot. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as such vulnerabilities can also provide attackers with opportunities to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code, especially in environments where the ACPI subsystem is exposed to untrusted inputs.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference issues in software systems. This classification emphasizes the fundamental nature of the problem as a common programming error that occurs when code assumes pointer values will be non-null without proper validation. From an attack surface perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1499.004 for endpoint denial of service and potentially T1059 for command execution if the system crash leads to exploitation opportunities. The mitigation strategy requires implementing proper null pointer validation checks immediately after memory allocation calls, ensuring that the return value from ACPI_ALLOCATE_ZEROED is verified before any dereferencing operations occur. Additionally, the code should properly handle allocation failures by returning appropriate error codes such as AE_NO_MEMORY as specified in the vulnerability description, thereby providing graceful degradation rather than system termination.