CVE-2024-36954 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/30/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
tipc: fix a possible memleak in tipc_buf_append
__skb_linearize() doesn't free the skb when it fails, so move '*buf = NULL' after __skb_linearize(), so that the skb can be freed on the err path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-36954 resides within the Linux kernel's TIPC (Transparent Inter-Process Communication) subsystem, specifically in the tipc_buf_append function. This memory leak represents a critical issue that can lead to system resource exhaustion over time. The TIPC protocol is designed to provide high-performance communication between processes in distributed systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for networked environments where continuous operation is essential. The flaw manifests when the kernel attempts to linearize socket buffer data structures during network packet processing, creating a scenario where allocated memory remains unreleased even when operations fail.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper error handling within the tipc_buf_append function. When __skb_linearize() fails to process a socket buffer, the function does not properly free the associated memory resources before returning an error condition. The kernel's memory management routines typically handle cleanup in such scenarios, but in this case, the sequence of operations is flawed. Specifically, the code structure places the '*buf = NULL' assignment before the __skb_linearize() call, which means that when the linearization fails, the buffer reference is cleared prematurely, preventing proper memory cleanup and resulting in a memory leak. This violates fundamental memory management principles and creates a persistent resource drain that can accumulate over time.
The operational impact of this memory leak extends beyond simple resource consumption, potentially leading to system instability and performance degradation. As the leak accumulates, system memory becomes progressively constrained, which can result in increased swap usage, reduced application performance, and in severe cases, system crashes or lockups. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in high-throughput network environments where TIPC is actively processing numerous packets, as the leak rate can accelerate significantly. Network administrators may observe gradual system performance degradation without clear diagnostic indicators, making this vulnerability difficult to detect and remediate in production environments. The leak affects the kernel's ability to maintain optimal resource utilization, potentially causing cascading failures in network-dependent applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch application from trusted sources, as the fix involves correcting the order of operations in the kernel source code to ensure proper memory cleanup on error paths. System administrators should implement monitoring solutions to track memory usage patterns and detect anomalous resource consumption that may indicate memory leak activity. The fix aligns with security best practices outlined in the CWE-401 standard for memory leak prevention, which emphasizes proper resource management and error handling in kernel code. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates, particularly for critical infrastructure components that rely on TIPC networking protocols. The ATT&CK framework's T1499.004 technique for resource exhaustion attacks could be relevant in understanding how this vulnerability might be exploited in combination with other attack vectors to amplify system impact.