CVE-2024-38623·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fs/ntfs3: Use variable length array instead of fixed size Should fix smatch warning: ntfs_set_label() error: __builtin_memcpy() 'uni->name' too small (20 vs 256)
- Severity
- critical
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.9.4
- Published
- 2024-06-21
Affected versions
From: 6.7
Until: 6.9.4
Fixed in: 6.9.4
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 6.9.4 or later to patch a critical memory buffer handling vulnerability in the NTFS3 filesystem driver. This vulnerability could allow local or remote attackers to cause system crashes or potentially execute arbitrary code through malformed NTFS filesystem operations. Affected kernel versions 6.7 through 6.9.3 should be prioritized for immediate patching.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-headers kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Step 1: Check your current kernel version by running: uname -r
- Step 2: Verify if NTFS3 support is compiled into your kernel with: grep -i ntfs /boot/config-$(uname -r) | grep NTFS3
- Step 3: Search system logs for NTFS3-related errors or crashes: grep -i ntfs /var/log/kern.log | tail -50
- Step 4: After patching, reboot and confirm the new kernel version: uname -r (should show 6.9.4 or later)
FAQ
What is CVE-2024-38623?
This is a critical buffer handling flaw in the Linux kernel's NTFS3 filesystem driver where fixed-size memory allocations are used instead of dynamic variable-length arrays, potentially allowing buffer overflows when processing NTFS filesystem labels or operations.
Is CVE-2024-38623 being actively exploited?
According to current threat intelligence, this vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and no public exploits are available, though the critical CVSS score warrants immediate patching.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2024-38623?
Linux kernel versions 6.7 through 6.9.3 are vulnerable; version 6.9.4 and later contain the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2024-38623?
Run 'uname -r' to check your kernel version; if it reports 6.7, 6.8, 6.9.0-6.9.3, or any version in the 6.7-6.9.3 range, your system is vulnerable and requires immediate patching.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2024-38623?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If Kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2024-38623 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1997cdc3e727526aa5d84b32f7cbb3f56459b7ef
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1fe1c9dc21ee52920629d2d9b9bd84358931a8d1
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3839a9b19a4b70eff6b6ad70446f639f7fd5a3d7
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a2de301d90b782ac5d7a5fe32995caaee9ab3a0f
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/cceef44b34819c24bb6ed70dce5b524bd3e368d1
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