CVE-2024-36023 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/30/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
Julia Lawall reported this null pointer dereference, this should fix it.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-36023 represents a critical null pointer dereference issue within the Linux kernel ecosystem. This flaw was discovered through systematic code analysis and reported by Julia Lawall, highlighting a scenario where kernel code attempts to access a null pointer reference during execution. The vulnerability occurs in kernel space operations where proper null checking mechanisms are either absent or insufficiently implemented, creating a potential pathway for system instability or exploitation. Such issues in kernel code are particularly dangerous as they can compromise the fundamental security and stability of the operating system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate pointer validation within kernel subsystems, specifically in areas where memory allocation or reference handling occurs. When the kernel encounters a situation where a pointer expected to contain a valid memory reference becomes null, the subsequent dereference operation causes a kernel panic or system crash. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, which is classified as a common weakness in software security practices. The flaw demonstrates a failure in defensive programming principles where kernel developers must ensure all pointers are validated before dereferencing operations occur.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-36023 extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. While the immediate effect may manifest as system instability or denial of service conditions, the underlying weakness creates opportunities for privilege escalation or information disclosure attacks. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to cause system crashes at strategic moments, leading to denial of service scenarios, or manipulate kernel memory structures to gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the use of local privilege escalation techniques through kernel exploits, making this issue particularly concerning for systems where kernel-level access is required for legitimate operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected kernel versions to address the null pointer dereference issue. System administrators should prioritize updating kernel components to versions containing the fix, as the vulnerability represents a direct threat to system stability and security. The fix typically involves implementing proper null pointer checks before any dereference operations occur, ensuring that kernel subsystems validate all pointer references before accessing memory locations. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected kernel versions and implement monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The resolution of this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of continuous security auditing and code review processes in kernel development, as identified by industry best practices for secure kernel programming and the principles outlined in the CERT/CC secure coding guidelines for kernel-level software development.