CVE-2024-50218 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ocfs2: pass u64 to ocfs2_truncate_inline maybe overflow
Syzbot reported a kernel BUG in ocfs2_truncate_inline. There are two reasons for this: first, the parameter value passed is greater than ocfs2_max_inline_data_with_xattr, second, the start and end parameters of ocfs2_truncate_inline are "unsigned int".
So, we need to add a sanity check for byte_start and byte_len right before ocfs2_truncate_inline() in ocfs2_remove_inode_range(), if they are greater than ocfs2_max_inline_data_with_xattr return -EINVAL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-50218 represents a critical integer overflow issue within the Oracle Cluster File System version 2 (OCFS2) implementation in the Linux kernel. This flaw exists in the ocfs2_truncate_inline function which handles inline data truncation operations for OCFS2 file systems. The issue stems from improper parameter validation and type handling that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability when processing large file operations. The vulnerability was identified through automated fuzzing analysis by syzbot, a kernel fuzzer that monitors and reports kernel bugs in the Linux kernel ecosystem.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the mismatch between data types and parameter validation within the OCFS2 subsystem. Specifically, the start and end parameters of the ocfs2_truncate_inline function are declared as "unsigned int" types, which limits their maximum value to 4,294,967,295 bytes. However, when processing certain file operations, particularly those involving inline data with extended attributes, the function receives parameter values that exceed the ocfs2_max_inline_data_with_xattr threshold. This creates a scenario where unsigned integer overflow can occur, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate file system operations beyond intended boundaries. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-190: Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which falls under the broader category of buffer overflows and memory corruption issues.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-50218 is significant for systems utilizing OCFS2 file systems, particularly in clustered environments where multiple nodes access shared storage. When exploited, this vulnerability can result in kernel crashes, system hangs, or potential privilege escalation depending on the specific attack vector. The vulnerability affects the ocfs2_remove_inode_range() function which is commonly used during file deletion and truncation operations. Attackers could potentially leverage this flaw by crafting malicious file operations that exceed the inline data limits, causing the kernel to process invalid parameters that trigger the integer overflow condition. This represents a direct threat to system availability and stability in enterprise environments relying on clustered file systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-50218 should prioritize immediate patch application from kernel vendors, as the fix involves adding proper parameter validation before calling ocfs2_truncate_inline(). The recommended solution implements a sanity check that validates byte_start and byte_len parameters against ocfs2_max_inline_data_with_xattr threshold, returning -EINVAL when exceeded. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and input validation as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation tactic. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual file system operations and consider restricting file size limits for applications accessing OCFS2 volumes. Additionally, implementing proper kernel hardening measures such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel module signing can provide additional defense-in-depth against potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct thorough testing of kernel updates in staging environments before deployment to ensure compatibility with existing OCFS2 workloads.