CVE-2024-58010 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 02/27/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
binfmt_flat: Fix integer overflow bug on 32 bit systems
Most of these sizes and counts are capped at 256MB so the math doesn't result in an integer overflow. The "relocs" count needs to be checked as well. Otherwise on 32bit systems the calculation of "full_data" could be wrong.
full_data = data_len + relocs * sizeof(unsigned long);
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2024-58010 represents a critical integer overflow issue within the Linux kernel's binary format flat loader mechanism, specifically affecting 32-bit systems. This flaw exists in the binfmt_flat subsystem responsible for handling flat binary format executables, which are commonly used in embedded systems and specialized applications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation during the calculation of memory allocation requirements for binary loading operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs in the calculation of full_data size where the kernel performs arithmetic operations involving data_len and relocs multiplied by sizeof(unsigned long). While most size parameters are properly capped at 256MB to prevent overflow conditions, the relocs count parameter lacks proper validation. This oversight allows attackers to manipulate the relocs value in a way that causes the multiplication operation to exceed the maximum representable value for 32-bit signed integers, resulting in a wraparound condition that produces incorrect memory allocation calculations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates potential attack vectors for privilege escalation and system instability. When the integer overflow occurs, the kernel may allocate insufficient memory for the binary data structure, leading to memory corruption that could be exploited to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This represents a significant security risk in environments where untrusted binary formats might be loaded, particularly in embedded systems or IoT devices that rely heavily on flat binary execution.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for binary exploitation. The fix implemented by the kernel maintainers addresses the specific oversight by adding proper validation of the relocs parameter before performing the arithmetic calculation, ensuring that the multiplication operation cannot cause overflow conditions on 32-bit architectures. This remediation follows established security practices for preventing integer overflow vulnerabilities in kernel space operations.
Systems running 32-bit Linux kernels with binfmt_flat support are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, especially those that process untrusted binary data or execute user-supplied flat binaries. The vulnerability affects a broad range of embedded devices, older hardware platforms, and specialized systems that depend on the flat binary format loader for application execution. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing additional monitoring for suspicious binary loading activities, as the integer overflow could potentially be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks targeting kernel memory management functions. The fix demonstrates the importance of comprehensive input validation in kernel-level code and reinforces the need for careful attention to arithmetic operations in security-critical system components.