CVE-2024-58051 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ipmi: ipmb: Add check devm_kasprintf() returned value
devm_kasprintf() can return a NULL pointer on failure but this returned value is not checked.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-58051 resides within the Linux kernel's IPMI subsystem, specifically affecting the IPMB (Intelligent Platform Management Bus) driver implementation. This issue demonstrates a critical flaw in memory management practices that could potentially lead to system instability or security implications. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-476 which represents a null pointer dereference, indicating that the code fails to properly validate the return value from a memory allocation function. The IPMI subsystem serves as a crucial component for out-of-band system management, enabling administrators to monitor and control hardware components remotely even when the operating system is unresponsive or non-functional.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of the devm_kasprintf() function call within the IPMB driver code. This function performs dynamic string formatting and memory allocation, returning a pointer to the newly allocated memory buffer. However, the implementation fails to validate whether the returned pointer is NULL, which occurs when the memory allocation operation fails. When devm_kasprintf() returns NULL due to insufficient memory or other allocation failures, the subsequent code continues execution without proper error handling, leading to a potential null pointer dereference. This type of error represents a fundamental violation of defensive programming practices and can result in kernel crashes or unpredictable behavior when the system encounters memory allocation failures during normal operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, as it affects the reliability and stability of systems that depend on IPMI for hardware monitoring and management. In enterprise environments where IPMI is extensively used for remote server management, a null pointer dereference could lead to complete system unavailability during critical maintenance windows or emergency situations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because IPMI operates at a low level within the kernel, making it difficult to recover from such failures without physical intervention or system reboot. This type of issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1490 which involves resource hijacking through manipulation of system resources, potentially allowing an attacker to cause denial of service conditions that could be exploited in targeted attacks against critical infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-58051 should focus on immediate patch application from trusted sources, as the fix involves adding a simple NULL pointer check following the devm_kasprintf() call. System administrators should prioritize updating kernel versions that contain the resolved code changes, particularly in environments where IPMI functionality is actively used. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of comprehensive testing for memory allocation failures in kernel modules, as recommended by various security frameworks including the Linux Kernel Security Best Practices. Additionally, implementing proper error handling mechanisms and conducting regular code reviews focusing on memory management patterns can prevent similar issues from occurring in other kernel subsystems. Organizations should also consider monitoring systems for unusual behavior patterns that might indicate memory allocation failures or kernel panic conditions related to IPMI functionality.