high CVSS 7.1

CVE-2024-38542·Kernel vulnerability

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: RDMA/mana_ib: boundary check before installing cq callbacks Add a boundary check inside mana_ib_install_cq_cb to prevent index overflow.

Severity
high
Software
Kernel
Fixed in
6.9.3
Published
2024-06-19

Affected versions

From: 6.9

Until: 6.9.3

Fixed in: 6.9.3

How to fix this CVE

Update your Linux kernel to version 6.9.3 or later to remediate CVE-2024-38542, which addresses an index overflow vulnerability in the RDMA/mana_ib driver's completion queue callback installation routine. Systems running kernel versions 6.9 through 6.9.2 should prioritize this update, as a local attacker with user privileges could trigger memory corruption or denial of service. Apply the patch through your distribution's package manager and reboot to activate the fixed kernel.

sudo dnf update kernel kernel-devel

Defensia detects this vulnerability

How to check if you are affected

  1. Step 1: Check your current kernel version by running `uname -r` and compare against the affected range (6.9.0 to 6.9.2)
  2. Step 2: Verify if RDMA/mana_ib driver is loaded by executing `lsmod | grep mana` or `grep -i mana /proc/modules`
  3. Step 3: Search system logs for completion queue initialization errors with `journalctl -xe | grep -i 'mana\|rdma\|callback'` or `dmesg | grep -i 'mana\|callback'`
  4. Step 4: Confirm the patch installation by running `uname -r` after reboot and verifying version is 6.9.3 or later, then check `dmesg | grep -i mana` for driver initialization without errors

FAQ

What is CVE-2024-38542?

CVE-2024-38542 is an index overflow vulnerability in the Linux kernel's RDMA/mana_ib driver where boundary validation was missing during completion queue callback installation, allowing local attackers to corrupt kernel memory or trigger system crashes.

Is CVE-2024-38542 being actively exploited?

No, CVE-2024-38542 is not listed on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog and no public exploits are currently available, though local exploitation remains possible with appropriate system access.

What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2024-38542?

Linux kernel versions 6.9.0, 6.9.1, and 6.9.2 are affected. Version 6.9.3 and all subsequent releases include the boundary check fix.

How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2024-38542?

Run `uname -r` to display your kernel version—if it shows 6.9.0 through 6.9.2 and `lsmod | grep mana` shows the driver is loaded, your system is vulnerable.

Does Defensia detect CVE-2024-38542?

Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If Kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2024-38542 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.

Related Kernel CVEs

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References

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