CVE-2024-47732 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
crypto: iaa - Fix potential use after free bug
The free_device_compression_mode(iaa_device, device_mode) function frees "device_mode" but it iss passed to iaa_compression_modes[i]->free() a few
lines later resulting in a use after free.
The good news is that, so far as I can tell, nothing implements the ->free() function and the use after free happens in dead code. But, with this fix, when something does implement it, we'll be ready. :)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-47732 resides within the Linux kernel's cryptographic subsystem, specifically affecting the iaa (Intel Advanced Acceleration) crypto driver implementation. This issue represents a classic use-after-free vulnerability that occurs during the cleanup process of device compression mode management. The flaw manifests when the free_device_compression_mode function releases memory allocated to a device_mode structure but subsequently passes this already-freed memory reference to the free() method of the compression mode interface. This pattern creates a dangerous scenario where the program attempts to access memory that has already been deallocated, potentially leading to undefined behavior and system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which categorizes use-after-free conditions as a critical memory safety issue. The vulnerability operates within the kernel's device management framework where compression modes are handled through a structured interface approach. The iaa_compression_modes array contains function pointers that are expected to implement specific operations including cleanup routines. When device_mode memory is freed and then dereferenced through the free() method pointer, the system experiences a memory safety violation that could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code or cause system crashes. The complexity of kernel-level memory management makes such vulnerabilities particularly dangerous as they can compromise the entire system integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability to potential security compromise within kernel space. While the vulnerability report indicates that no current implementations actually utilize the ->free() function and the problematic code path is considered dead code, the presence of this flaw creates a latent security risk. Attackers could potentially trigger the code path through specific device configurations or driver interactions, leading to privilege escalation or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive code review practices in kernel development, where seemingly unused code paths can become attack vectors when future implementations are added. This type of vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges to gain system access, as kernel-level use-after-free conditions can provide attackers with elevated privileges.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2024-47732 involves applying the kernel patch that ensures proper memory management ordering in the device compression mode cleanup process. The fix prevents the passing of freed memory references to the free() function pointer, thereby eliminating the use-after-free condition. System administrators should prioritize applying the relevant kernel updates from their distribution vendors, as this vulnerability affects the core kernel functionality that is fundamental to system security. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough testing of kernel updates in controlled environments before deployment to ensure compatibility with existing cryptographic operations and hardware configurations. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of maintaining rigorous code quality standards in kernel development, particularly regarding memory management practices and the careful handling of object lifecycles in complex driver architectures. Regular security audits of kernel subsystems should include examination of all code paths, even those considered dead or unused, to prevent similar issues from emerging in future implementations.