CVE-2024-53202 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/27/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
firmware_loader: Fix possible resource leak in fw_log_firmware_info()
The alg instance should be released under the exception path, otherwise there may be resource leak here.
To mitigate this, free the alg instance with crypto_free_shash when kmalloc fails.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-53202 represents a resource leak issue within the Linux kernel's firmware loading subsystem, specifically affecting the firmware_loader component. This flaw exists in the fw_log_firmware_info() function where proper cleanup of cryptographic algorithm instances is not performed under exception paths. The vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms that fail to release allocated resources when memory allocation operations encounter failures, creating potential security implications through resource exhaustion attacks.
The technical flaw manifests when the kernel attempts to allocate memory for cryptographic algorithm instances during firmware logging operations. When kmalloc operations fail, the code path does not properly invoke crypto_free_shash to release previously allocated algorithm instances, leading to memory leaks that persist until the kernel terminates. This represents a classic resource management error where allocated kernel memory structures are not properly deallocated, creating a condition that can be exploited to consume system resources over time. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-404, which describes improper resource management, and specifically addresses issues related to memory leaks in kernel space operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple resource consumption, as it can potentially enable denial of service conditions where system resources become exhausted through repeated allocation failures. Attackers could exploit this by triggering multiple firmware loading operations that fail during memory allocation, gradually consuming available kernel memory pools. This creates a scenario where legitimate system operations may fail due to resource exhaustion, potentially affecting system stability and availability. The issue particularly impacts systems that frequently load firmware components or those with limited memory resources where resource exhaustion occurs more rapidly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-53202 involve implementing proper error handling within the firmware_loader subsystem to ensure cryptographic algorithm instances are always released regardless of allocation success or failure. The recommended fix requires modifying the fw_log_firmware_info() function to include crypto_free_shash calls when kmalloc operations fail, ensuring that all allocated resources are properly deallocated. This approach aligns with the principle of defensive programming and follows best practices for kernel memory management as outlined in the Linux kernel coding guidelines. System administrators should prioritize applying the patched kernel version that includes this fix, particularly on systems that handle frequent firmware updates or operate in environments where resource exhaustion attacks are a concern. The mitigation also supports broader security practices related to the ATT&CK framework's resource exhaustion techniques, where proper resource management serves as a fundamental defense against such attacks.