CVE-2024-36017 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/30/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
rtnetlink: Correct nested IFLA_VF_VLAN_LIST attribute validation
Each attribute inside a nested IFLA_VF_VLAN_LIST is assumed to be a struct ifla_vf_vlan_info so the size of such attribute needs to be at least of sizeof(struct ifla_vf_vlan_info) which is 14 bytes. The current size validation in do_setvfinfo is against NLA_HDRLEN (4 bytes) which is less than sizeof(struct ifla_vf_vlan_info) so this validation is not enough and a too small attribute might be cast to a struct ifla_vf_vlan_info, this might result in an out of bands read access when accessing the saved (casted) entry in ivvl.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2024-36017 resides within the Linux kernel's rtnetlink subsystem, specifically affecting the validation mechanism for nested IFLA_VF_VLAN_LIST attributes. This issue impacts the kernel's virtual function (VF) configuration handling within virtualized network environments, particularly those utilizing SR-IOV (Single Root I/O Virtualization) capabilities. The flaw manifests in the do_setvfinfo function where attribute validation occurs, creating a critical gap in input sanitization that could lead to memory corruption and unauthorized data access.
The technical root cause stems from insufficient size validation during attribute processing within the rtnetlink interface. The kernel assumes that each nested attribute within IFLA_VF_VLAN_LIST follows the structure of struct ifla_vf_vlan_info, which requires 14 bytes of data. However, the current validation logic only checks against NLA_HDRLEN which is 4 bytes, significantly smaller than the required 14-byte minimum. This discrepancy allows malformed or truncated attributes to pass validation and be subsequently cast to the expected structure type, creating a scenario where memory reads extend beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of length of inputs, and CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations. The operational impact of this flaw is severe as it can result in unauthorized out-of-bounds read access patterns that may expose sensitive kernel memory contents to user-space processes. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to extract kernel memory information, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise. The vulnerability exists in the kernel's network configuration handling, making it particularly dangerous in virtualized environments where multiple tenants share the same physical hardware.
The exploitability of this vulnerability requires specific conditions including the ability to send crafted rtnetlink messages to the kernel, typically through network configuration operations. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities, and T1547, involving kernel module loading or modification. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the out-of-bounds read could potentially reveal kernel memory layout information, aiding in more sophisticated exploitation attempts. Mitigation strategies should include kernel updates from vendors, implementation of network access controls to limit privileged network configuration operations, and monitoring for unusual rtnetlink activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.