CVE-2024-49859 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
f2fs: fix to check atomic_file in f2fs ioctl interfaces
Some f2fs ioctl interfaces like f2fs_ioc_set_pin_file(), f2fs_move_file_range(), and f2fs_defragment_range() missed to check atomic_write status, which may cause potential race issue, fix it.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49859 affects the Linux kernel's f2fs file system implementation and represents a race condition issue within the ioctl interface handling mechanisms. This flaw specifically impacts three critical f2fs ioctl operations including f2fs_ioc_set_pin_file(), f2fs_move_file_range(), and f2fs_defragment_range() which are designed to manage file operations within the f2fs file system. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper atomic_write status checking within these interfaces, creating potential security implications that could be exploited by malicious actors. The f2fs file system, which stands for Flash-Friendly File System, is specifically designed for flash storage devices and implements various ioctl operations to provide advanced file management capabilities. These operations are essential for maintaining file system integrity and performance in environments utilizing flash-based storage technologies such as ssd drives and embedded systems.
The technical flaw manifests in the missing validation of atomic_write status during ioctl operations, which creates a race condition scenario where concurrent file operations could interfere with each other's execution. When these specific ioctl interfaces fail to verify the atomic_write status, they become vulnerable to timing issues that could allow for inconsistent file states or unauthorized file modifications. This race condition occurs because the file system does not properly synchronize access to shared resources when performing operations that involve atomic file writes, potentially leading to data corruption or unexpected behavior. The atomic_write status check is crucial for ensuring that file operations maintain consistency and integrity, particularly when dealing with concurrent access patterns that are common in multi-threaded environments. This issue directly relates to CWE-362 which describes race conditions in concurrent programming scenarios where multiple threads or processes access shared resources without proper synchronization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple performance degradation to potentially compromise file system integrity and data consistency. Attackers could exploit this race condition to manipulate file operations in ways that might lead to unauthorized data access, file corruption, or denial of service conditions within systems utilizing f2fs file systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where multiple processes or threads might simultaneously access the same files or file system resources, as the timing of these operations could be manipulated to trigger the race condition. Systems that rely heavily on flash storage and utilize f2fs file systems for performance optimization could experience significant reliability issues if this vulnerability is exploited. The potential for data integrity violations makes this a critical concern for enterprise storage systems, embedded devices, and any environment where consistent file system behavior is essential for proper system operation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-49859 should focus on implementing proper atomic_write status checking within the affected ioctl interfaces as specified in the kernel patch. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernel versions to include the fix that addresses this race condition by ensuring that all three affected ioctl operations properly validate atomic_write status before proceeding with file operations. The fix should incorporate proper synchronization mechanisms to prevent concurrent access issues and maintain file system consistency during these operations. Organizations should conduct thorough testing of their systems after applying the kernel update to ensure that the fix does not introduce any compatibility issues or performance regressions. Additionally, monitoring systems should be implemented to detect any unusual file system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper race condition handling in kernel-level file system operations and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.006 which covers file system manipulation and T1566.002 which involves credential access through file system exploitation. The resolution of this issue demonstrates the critical nature of maintaining proper synchronization in concurrent file system operations and reinforces the necessity of comprehensive testing for kernel security patches.