CVE-2024-26652 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 03/27/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net: pds_core: Fix possible double free in error handling path
When auxiliary_device_add() returns error and then calls auxiliary_device_uninit(), Callback function pdsc_auxbus_dev_release calls kfree(padev) to free memory. We shouldn't call kfree(padev) again in the error handling path.
Fix this by cleaning up the redundant kfree() and putting the error handling back to where the errors happened.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-26652 represents a critical double free condition within the Linux kernel's pds_core subsystem, specifically affecting the auxiliary device management functionality. This issue resides in the network subsystem's handling of auxiliary devices, where improper error path management leads to memory corruption vulnerabilities. The flaw occurs during the auxiliary device addition process, where the kernel's memory management routines fail to properly track allocated resources, creating a scenario where the same memory region could be freed twice. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and is classified as CWE-415, representing double free conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability impacts the auxiliary bus subsystem, which is responsible for managing peripheral devices that communicate through the auxiliary bus interface, making it particularly concerning for systems that rely heavily on peripheral device management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a flawed error handling mechanism within the auxiliary device initialization process. When the auxiliary_device_add() function encounters an error condition, it triggers a sequence of cleanup operations that includes calling auxiliary_device_uninit(). During this cleanup phase, the callback function pdsc_auxbus_dev_release executes and calls kfree(padev) to free the memory associated with the auxiliary device structure. However, the error handling path contains redundant memory deallocation calls, resulting in the same memory block being freed twice. This occurs because the original error handling code path still attempts to free the same memory location after the auxiliary_device_uninit() function has already performed its cleanup operations. The improper control flow management violates fundamental memory safety principles and creates a predictable crash scenario that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, potentially enabling privilege escalation and denial of service conditions across affected Linux kernel versions. Systems utilizing the pds_core subsystem, particularly those managing auxiliary devices through the auxiliary bus interface, face significant risk from this memory corruption issue. The vulnerability affects kernel versions that incorporate the problematic code path, with potential implications for embedded systems, servers, and desktop environments that rely on auxiliary device functionality. Attackers could exploit this double free condition to manipulate kernel memory structures, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation would require specific conditions to be met, including successful triggering of the error path during auxiliary device initialization, but the underlying memory corruption presents a substantial risk to system integrity and availability. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities, making it a significant concern for system administrators and security professionals managing Linux-based infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-26652 focus on immediate kernel updates and patch application, as the vulnerability has been addressed through the fix implemented in the Linux kernel source code. System administrators should prioritize applying the relevant security patches that correct the double free condition by removing redundant kfree() calls and restructuring the error handling flow to prevent memory deallocation conflicts. The fix ensures that memory cleanup operations occur only once in the proper sequence, eliminating the possibility of double memory deallocation during error conditions. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts through anomalous system behavior or kernel memory access patterns. Additional defensive measures include restricting auxiliary device initialization privileges, implementing kernel module signing requirements, and maintaining up-to-date security configurations. The vulnerability's resolution demonstrates the importance of proper error handling in kernel space operations and reinforces the need for comprehensive code review processes that identify potential memory management issues in critical system components. Regular security assessments of kernel subsystems and adherence to security best practices in kernel development will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases.