CVE-2024-43898
Description
[REJECTED CVE] A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability has been identified in the Linux Kernel's ext4 filesystem. The issue occurs during concurrent write operations with inline data, where an ext4_force_shutdown is triggered due to inconsistencies like "block bitmap and bg descriptor inconsistent." This shutdown disrupts inline data handling, failing to restore the EXT4_STATE_MAY_INLINE_DATA flag. As a result, subsequent operations, such as in ext4_da_write_end, may attempt to dereference an unset page folio private pointer, leading to potential kernel crashes.
Statement
This CVE has been rejected upstream: https://lore.kernel.org/linux-cve-announce/2024091044-REJECTED-8d12@gregkh/T/
Red Hat has also evaluated this issue and determined that it does not meet the criteria to be classified as a security vulnerability. This assessment is based on the issue not posing a significant security risk, being a result of misconfiguration or usage error, or falling outside the scope of security considerations.
As such, this CVE has been marked as "Rejected" in alignment with Red Hat's vulnerability management policies.
If you have additional information or concerns regarding this determination, please contact Red Hat Product Security for further clarification.
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 | 0 | 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 | None | High | N/A |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:N
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: Crash, Exit, or Restart
NULL pointer dereferences usually result in the failure of the process unless exception handling (on some platforms) is available and implemented. Even when exception handling is being used, it can still be very difficult to return the software to a safe state of operation.
Integrity,Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Read Memory; Modify Memory
In rare circumstances, when NULL is equivalent to the 0x0 memory address and privileged code can access it, then writing or reading memory is possible, which may lead to code execution.
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