CVE-2024-50242 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
fs/ntfs3: Additional check in ntfs_file_release
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-50242 resides within the Linux kernel's ntfs3 filesystem driver, specifically addressing a flaw in the ntfs_file_release function. This issue represents a critical concern for systems utilizing NTFS filesystems, particularly those running recent Linux kernel versions that incorporate the ntfs3 driver. The ntfs3 driver serves as the primary interface for handling NTFS filesystems on Linux systems, making this vulnerability impactful for a significant portion of enterprise and desktop environments that rely on cross-platform file system compatibility.
The technical flaw manifests in insufficient validation within the ntfs_file_release function, which is responsible for cleaning up file resources when files are closed or released. This function processes file handles and ensures proper resource deallocation when ntfs files are no longer in use. The missing validation check creates a potential pathway for improper resource handling that could lead to system instability or security implications. The vulnerability likely involves a failure to properly validate file handle states or resource ownership before proceeding with cleanup operations, potentially allowing for use-after-free conditions or memory corruption scenarios.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to system stability and security integrity. When exploited, the flaw could enable malicious actors to cause system crashes, data corruption, or potentially escalate privileges within the kernel space. The impact extends beyond simple system instability as the ntfs3 driver handles critical file system operations that are fundamental to system operation. Systems utilizing NTFS filesystems for data storage, particularly those in enterprise environments where data integrity is paramount, face heightened risk from this vulnerability.
The remediation for CVE-2024-50242 involves implementing an additional validation check within the ntfs_file_release function to ensure proper handling of file resources before cleanup operations. This aligns with established security practices and follows the principle of least privilege by ensuring that file operations are properly validated before resource deallocation. The fix typically involves adding proper bounds checking and state validation before proceeding with file release operations, preventing potential exploitation scenarios that could arise from improper resource management.
This vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-415 as an improper resource management issue, specifically involving double-free or use-after-free conditions that may occur due to insufficient validation. The flaw demonstrates the importance of proper resource lifecycle management in kernel space operations and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting local system privileges. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it represents a potential attack vector for privilege escalation and system compromise, particularly in environments where NTFS filesystems are actively used. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the additional validation does not introduce performance regressions or compatibility issues with existing ntfs3 operations.