CVE-2024-36924 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/30/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
scsi: lpfc: Release hbalock before calling lpfc_worker_wake_up()
lpfc_worker_wake_up() calls the lpfc_work_done() routine, which takes the hbalock. Thus, lpfc_worker_wake_up() should not be called while holding the hbalock to avoid potential deadlock.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-36924 affects the Linux kernel's SCSI subsystem, specifically within the lpfc driver implementation used for LightPulse Fibre Channel host adapter support. This issue represents a classic deadlock scenario that arises from improper lock ordering and resource management within the kernel's concurrent execution model. The lpfc driver is responsible for managing Fibre Channel communications in enterprise storage environments, making this vulnerability particularly significant for data center and server infrastructure security.
The technical flaw stems from a violation of proper lock hierarchy principles where the hbalock is acquired but not released before invoking the lpfc_worker_wake_up() function. This function subsequently calls lpfc_work_done() which attempts to acquire the same hbalock, creating a circular dependency that can result in system deadlock. The vulnerability manifests when the kernel's SCSI subsystem processes Fibre Channel I/O operations, specifically during the worker thread wake-up mechanism that coordinates asynchronous completion handling. This represents a direct violation of the lock ordering principle commonly referenced in CWE-362 (Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource Vulnerability) and CWE-367 (Time-of-Check Time-of-Use Vulnerability).
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system hang conditions to potentially compromise entire storage infrastructure availability. When the deadlock occurs, the Fibre Channel host adapter becomes unresponsive, preventing I/O operations from completing and effectively rendering storage devices inaccessible to the operating system. This scenario is particularly dangerous in mission-critical environments where continuous data availability is paramount, as it can lead to extended downtime and potential data loss. The vulnerability affects systems using LightPulse Fibre Channel adapters and can be exploited through normal SCSI I/O operations, making it difficult to detect and isolate. Attackers could potentially trigger this condition through sustained I/O workloads or by manipulating the timing of storage operations to force the problematic lock sequence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-36924 focus on implementing the kernel patch that ensures proper lock release ordering before calling lpfc_worker_wake_up(). The fix involves modifying the driver's internal state management to release the hbalock before invoking the worker wake-up routine, thereby eliminating the circular dependency. System administrators should prioritize applying the relevant kernel updates from their distribution vendors, as this vulnerability requires kernel-level patching rather than configuration changes. Monitoring for system hangs or storage I/O timeouts in Fibre Channel environments can serve as early indicators of exploitation attempts, though the vulnerability itself does not provide direct attack surface for remote exploitation. The fix aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001 (Authorization Script Injection) by preventing potential denial-of-service conditions that could be leveraged to disrupt legitimate system operations. Organizations should also implement robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of kernel security updates, particularly in environments utilizing Fibre Channel storage arrays that rely on the lpfc driver implementation.