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2024 Linux Kernel Vulnerabilities: Patch Without Rebooting

by Rohan Timalsina on October 10, 2024

Linux kernel vulnerabilities are critical threats that can compromise the stability and security of Linux-based systems. In 2024, several new vulnerabilities have emerged, some of which may lead to memory corruption, crashes, or system instability.

This article explores the latest Linux kernel vulnerabilities, the updates provided by some major Linux distributions, and the strategies for securing your Linux system without downtime.

 

Latest Linux Kernel Vulnerabilities in 2024

 

Recent Linux kernel vulnerabilities have been discovered across multiple subsystems, and several have been assigned high-severity Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) identifiers. Below are some of the notable vulnerabilities from 2024:

 

CVE-2024-42160

This vulnerability was identified in the f2fs_build_fault_attr() function of the Linux kernel’s F2FS file system. It stems from insufficient input validation, which can result in undefined behavior, system crashes, or even memory corruption. Such weaknesses make this vulnerability particularly dangerous in high-performance or large-scale Linux environments.

 

CVE-2024-42159

Found in the mpi3mr_sas_port_add() function of the Linux kernel’s MPI3MR driver, this vulnerability occurs due to the absence of appropriate checks. It leads to field overwrites in the structure, which could cause memory corruption and system crashes.

 

CVE-2024-42224

This issue was found in the mv88e6xxx driver. An improper check on a linked list could result in dereferencing an invalid pointer, which can lead to memory corruption or a system crash.

 

CVE-2024-41009

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel’s BPF (Berkeley Packet Filter) subsystem, where out-of-bounds memory access allows a local user to crash the system, creating a potential denial of service scenario.

 

CVE-2024-42154

The vulnerability in tcp_metrics.c involves insufficient validation of TCP source addresses. This flaw may cause incorrect memory access, leading to system instability.

 

CVE-2024-42228

Discovered in the amdgpu driver, this vulnerability arises from improper pointer initialization, which could result in unpredictable system behavior and crashes.

 

CVE-2024-26851

This vulnerability impacts the Linux kernel’s nf_conntrack_h323 module in the netfilter subsystem. Inadequate protection of BMP length values may lead to out-of-range conditions, posing a risk of system crashes or potential data leaks.

 

Ubuntu and Debian Release Security Updates

 

Popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Debian have responded swiftly to address these vulnerabilities by releasing security updates. Canonical, for example, has provided updates for various supported Ubuntu versions, including:

Debian, too, has released patches for its stable and long-term support version, Debian 12, to ensure users are protected. It’s vital to stay up-to-date with these security patches as they provide protection against known vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of exploitation.

 

Patching Linux Kernel Vulnerabilities Without Rebooting

 

Conventionally, patching Linux kernel vulnerabilities would require a system reboot, leading to downtime and disrupted services. However, modern techniques like live patching have revolutionized kernel updates. Live patching allows you to apply critical kernel patches without rebooting the system, ensuring that systems remain operational and secure.

For organizations relying on uptime, automated live patching tools such as TuxCare’s KernelCare Enterprise provide a seamless solution. KernelCare ensures that your Linux infrastructure remains secure without compromising availability. It supports a wide range of enterprise Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, RHEL, CentOS, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, Oracle Linux, Amazon Linux, CloudLinux, and more.

The KernelCare team has already worked on live patches for vulnerabilities mentioned in this article, making them available for all supported distributions. By using KernelCare, organizations can ensure that their systems are protected from the latest threats without the need for disruptive reboots.

 

Conclusion

 

With cyber threats evolving rapidly, regular patching is not just an option but a necessity for securing Linux systems. Live patching offers a crucial solution to mitigate risks while maintaining uptime, making it an essential tool for enterprise environments. As of 2024, a total of 1,378 vulnerabilities have been reported in the Linux kernel, with an average severity score of 6.09. This is a significant increase of over 1,094 vulnerabilities compared to the previous year.

By keeping your system updated and leveraging live patching tools, you can secure your Linux environment against both known and emerging threats, ensuring operational stability and long-term resilience.

For more information on the latest Linux kernel vulnerabilities and patch status, visit the KernelCare CVE tracker.

 

Source: USN-7020-3

The post 2024 Linux Kernel Vulnerabilities: Patch Without Rebooting appeared first on TuxCare.

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from TuxCare authored by Rohan Timalsina. Read the original post at: https://tuxcare.com/blog/2024-linux-kernel-vulnerabilities-patch-without-rebooting/

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