CVE-2024-50183
Description
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel. When deleting an N_Port ID Virtualization (NPIV) instance, the system does not ensure that all associated fabric network device link protocols (ndlps) are released synchronously. This can lead to a kernel reference count (kref) imbalance race condition, which a local attacker could potentially exploit to cause a denial of service by crashing the system.
Mitigation
If Emulex LightPulse Fibre Channel adapters are not in use on the system, the `lpfc` kernel module can be prevented from loading to mitigate this vulnerability. To blacklist the `lpfc` module, create a file `/etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-lpfc.conf` with the content `blacklist lpfc`. Regenerate the initramfs using `dracut -f -v` or `mkinitrd -f -v` and reboot the system. This action may impact system functionality if Emulex Fibre Channel adapters are required.
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).
The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 4.1 | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| Attack Vector | Local | Local | Local |
| Attack Complexity | High | High | High |
| Privileges Required | High | Low | Low |
| User Interaction | None | None | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | None | None | None |
| Integrity Impact | None | None | None |
| Availability Impact | High | High | High |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/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: Resource Consumption (Other)
When a race condition makes it possible to bypass a resource cleanup routine or trigger multiple initialization routines, it may lead to resource exhaustion.
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart; DoS: Instability
When a race condition allows multiple control flows to access a resource simultaneously, it might lead the product(s) into unexpected states, possibly resulting in a crash.
Confidentiality,Integrity
Technical Impact: Read Files or Directories; Read Application Data
When a race condition is combined with predictable resource names and loose permissions, it may be possible for an attacker to overwrite or access confidential data (CWE-59).
Access Control
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Gain Privileges or Assume Identity; Bypass Protection Mechanism
This can have security implications when the expected synchronization is in security-critical code, such as recording whether a user is authenticated or modifying important state information that should not be influenced by an outsider.
Frequently Asked Questions
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