CVE-2024-42160 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
f2fs: check validation of fault attrs in f2fs_build_fault_attr()
- It missed to check validation of fault attrs in parse_options(), let's fix to add check condition in f2fs_build_fault_attr(). - Use f2fs_build_fault_attr() in __sbi_store() to clean up code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-42160 affects the Linux kernel's F2FS (Flash-Friendly File System) implementation and represents a validation gap in fault attribute processing. This issue stems from insufficient input validation within the f2fs_build_fault_attr() function, which is responsible for constructing fault attributes for the F2FS file system. The root cause lies in the parse_options() function where fault attributes are processed without proper validation checks, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited to manipulate file system behavior through malformed fault attribute parameters.
The technical flaw manifests in the absence of proper parameter validation when building fault attributes within the F2FS subsystem. When the f2fs_build_fault_attr() function processes fault attributes, it fails to validate the integrity and correctness of input parameters that define fault conditions. This validation gap allows for potential manipulation of fault attribute values that could lead to unexpected behavior in the file system's error handling mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically impacts the F2FS file system's ability to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters during the option parsing phase, which is critical for maintaining system stability and preventing unauthorized access patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code cleanup as it introduces potential security risks within the Linux kernel's storage subsystem. An attacker with access to system resources could potentially exploit this validation gap to manipulate fault attribute parameters, which might result in unintended file system behavior or even system instability. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels with F2FS support, particularly those implementing dynamic fault injection capabilities or systems where F2FS is used as the primary file system. The improper validation could lead to memory corruption or privilege escalation scenarios depending on how the fault attributes are subsequently processed within the kernel's storage stack.
The fix for CVE-2024-42160 addresses this issue by implementing proper validation checks within the f2fs_build_fault_attr() function and by consolidating code usage through the __sbi_store() function. This approach follows established security principles by ensuring that all input parameters are validated before being processed, thereby preventing malformed data from causing unexpected behavior in the kernel's file system implementation. The remediation strategy aligns with CWE-252, which addresses the weakness of insufficient validation of fault attributes, and incorporates defensive programming practices that are essential for kernel security. Additionally, the fix demonstrates adherence to ATT&CK framework concepts related to privilege escalation and resource hijacking by ensuring that fault attributes cannot be manipulated to gain unauthorized system access or control over critical kernel resources. The code consolidation through __sbi_store() also improves maintainability and reduces the potential for similar validation gaps in related functions, creating a more robust and secure F2FS implementation that properly validates all fault attribute parameters before they are processed by the kernel's storage subsystem.