CVE-2024-26603
Description
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's x86/fpu module, which revolves around an issue with relying on user space for critical information regarding the xsave buffer. In the affected scenario, the expected size of the user space buffer is derived from user-controlled data, specifically, fx_sw->xstate_size. By manipulating this value, an attacker could construct a malicious sigreturn frame where the indicated size is smaller than required by valid bits in fx_sw->xfeatures. Furthermore, the attacker could unmap portions of the fpu buffer in the user space, rendering them inaccessible to xrstor.
This manipulation leads to a situation where xrstor repeatedly attempts to restore and access an unmapped area, causing a fault. However, the fault_in_readable function erroneously succeeds because the accessed region, buf + fx_sw->xstate_size, remains within the mapped area. Consequently, the system enters a perpetual loop as xrstor continually retries the operation.
Statement
This vulnerability, while technically significant due to its potential for exploitation, is classified as Low severity for several reasons. First, successful exploitation requires a precise set of conditions, including the ability to manipulate the fx_sw->xstate_size parameter, which may not always be feasible. Additionally, the exploit's impact is limited to a specific subsystem (x86/fpu) within the Linux kernel, thereby reducing its overall scope and potential for widespread harm. Moreover, the loop resulting from the fault condition does not result in a system compromise or escalation of privileges but rather leads to a denial-of-service situation, which can be mitigated through a system reboot or other administrative actions.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options don't meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 5.5 | 5.5 | N/A |
| Attack Vector | Local | Local | N/A |
| Attack Complexity | Low | Low | N/A |
| Privileges Required | Low | Low | N/A |
| User Interaction | None | None | N/A |
| Scope | Unchanged | Unchanged | N/A |
| Confidentiality | None | None | N/A |
| Integrity Impact | None | None | N/A |
| Availability Impact | High | High | N/A |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU); DoS: Resource Consumption (Memory); DoS: Amplification
An infinite loop will cause unexpected consumption of resources, such as CPU cycles or memory. The software's operation may slow down, or cause a long time to respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure what something means? Check out our Security Glossary.
Want to get errata notifications? Sign up here.
