CVE-2024-41018 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 07/29/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
fs/ntfs3: Add a check for attr_names and oatbl
Added out-of-bound checking for *ane (ATTR_NAME_ENTRY).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-41018 resides within the Linux kernel's ntfs3 file system implementation, specifically addressing a critical out-of-bounds memory access issue that could potentially lead to system instability or privilege escalation. This flaw manifests in the fs/ntfs3 subsystem where the kernel processes ntfs3 file system structures, particularly concerning attribute names and attribute table entries. The ntfs3 file system driver handles the New Technology File System which is commonly used in Windows operating systems, and its kernel implementation must properly validate all incoming data structures to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability occurs when the kernel attempts to process attribute name entries without adequate bounds checking, creating a scenario where malformed or malicious data could cause the system to access memory outside the intended data structures.
The technical flaw involves the lack of proper validation when processing ATTR_NAME_ENTRY structures within the ntfs3 file system driver. The attribute name entry structure contains metadata about file system attributes and their names, but without proper bounds checking, an attacker could craft specially formatted ntfs3 file system structures that would cause the kernel to read beyond allocated memory regions. This out-of-bounds access represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability pattern that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-129 as "Improper Validation of Array Index" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" through kernel-level vulnerabilities. The flaw specifically affects the kernel's ntfs3 file system driver when it processes attribute names and oatbl (attribute table) structures, where the *ane parameter represents attribute name entries that require proper validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-41018 extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks and system compromise. When a malicious actor successfully exploits this vulnerability, they could execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, effectively gaining complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where untrusted ntfs3 file systems might be mounted, such as in virtualized environments, cloud computing platforms, or when handling external storage devices. Systems running Linux kernels with ntfs3 support are at risk, especially those that automatically mount ntfs3 file systems without proper user intervention or validation. The exploitability of this vulnerability depends on the ability to control the ntfs3 file system structures that are processed by the kernel, which could occur through mounting malicious ntfs3 volumes, manipulating file system metadata, or through other attack vectors that allow for controlled input into the ntfs3 subsystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-41018 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures to reduce the attack surface. The primary resolution involves applying the kernel patch that introduces proper bounds checking for ATTR_NAME_ENTRY structures, ensuring that all attribute name entries are validated before processing. Organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel versions to include the fix, particularly in production environments where ntfs3 file systems are in use. Additional operational mitigations include disabling automatic mounting of ntfs3 file systems, implementing strict file system validation procedures, and monitoring for suspicious ntfs3 file system access patterns. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while regular security audits should verify that ntfs3 file system support is properly configured and that appropriate validation mechanisms are in place. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel space and demonstrates how seemingly minor oversight in bounds checking can lead to critical security flaws that affect system integrity and user data protection.