CVE-2024-50075 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/29/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
xhci: tegra: fix checked USB2 port number
If USB virtualizatoin is enabled, USB2 ports are shared between all Virtual Functions. The USB2 port number owned by an USB2 root hub in a Virtual Function may be less than total USB2 phy number supported by the Tegra XUSB controller.
Using total USB2 phy number as port number to check all PORTSC values would cause invalid memory access.
[ 116.923438] Unable to handle kernel paging request at virtual address 006c622f7665642f
... [ 117.213640] Call trace:
[ 117.216783] tegra_xusb_enter_elpg+0x23c/0x658
[ 117.222021] tegra_xusb_runtime_suspend+0x40/0x68
[ 117.227260] pm_generic_runtime_suspend+0x30/0x50
[ 117.232847] __rpm_callback+0x84/0x3c0
[ 117.237038] rpm_suspend+0x2dc/0x740
[ 117.241229] pm_runtime_work+0xa0/0xb8
[ 117.245769] process_scheduled_works+0x24c/0x478
[ 117.251007] worker_thread+0x23c/0x328
[ 117.255547] kthread+0x104/0x1b0
[ 117.259389] ret_from_fork+0x10/0x20
[ 117.263582] Code: 54000222 f9461ae8 f8747908 b4ffff48 (f9400100)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2025
This vulnerability exists within the linux kernel's xhci tegra driver implementation where improper handling of usb2 port numbering during virtualization scenarios leads to invalid memory access conditions. The issue specifically affects systems utilizing usb virtualization capabilities where usb2 ports are shared across all virtual functions. When a usb2 root hub operates within a virtual function, the port number assigned to that hub may be less than the total number of usb2 phys supported by the tegra xusb controller. The kernel incorrectly uses the total usb2 phy number as a port identifier when checking all portsc values, creating a memory access violation that results in kernel oops and potential system instability. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition where array indexing exceeds valid bounds, leading to memory corruption and potential privilege escalation risks. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-129 as an insufficient bounds checking issue, specifically manifesting as an improper input validation problem in kernel space memory operations. The call trace indicates the error originates from tegra_xusb_enter_elpg function which handles power management transitions, suggesting the memory corruption occurs during usb controller power state changes when attempting to access port status registers. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting privileges through legitimate system processes. The impact extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, particularly when combined with other exploitation techniques. The root cause stems from inadequate virtualization-aware port number management where the kernel fails to properly account for virtual function isolation boundaries. This vulnerability demonstrates the complexity of managing hardware resources in virtualized environments where physical hardware capabilities must be properly abstracted across multiple virtual contexts. The memory access violation occurs at virtual address 006c622f7665642f which appears to contain corrupted data from the improper memory access pattern, indicating the kernel attempted to read from an invalid memory location. The error occurs during runtime power management operations, specifically when entering low power states, making it particularly dangerous as it could be triggered by normal system operations. The fix requires proper port number validation that accounts for virtual function boundaries and ensures that only valid port numbers are used when accessing port status registers. This vulnerability affects all systems utilizing tegra xusb controllers with usb virtualization enabled, particularly embedded systems, automotive platforms, and mobile devices that rely on this specific usb controller implementation. The issue represents a fundamental flaw in virtualization support within the kernel's usb subsystem, requiring careful attention to ensure proper isolation between virtual functions while maintaining hardware resource accessibility. The vulnerability's exploitation potential increases when combined with other kernel vulnerabilities or when attackers can influence the timing of power management operations to trigger the memory corruption. Security researchers have identified this as a critical issue requiring immediate patching across all affected kernel versions to prevent potential exploitation by malicious actors seeking to gain elevated privileges or cause system instability through controlled memory corruption attacks.