CVE-2024-42112·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: txgbe: free isb resources at the right time When using MSI/INTx interrupt, the shared interrupts are still being handled in the device remove routine, before free IRQs. So isb memory is still read after it is freed. Thus move wx_free_isb_resources() from txgbe_close() to txgbe_remove(). And fix the improper isb free action in txgbe_open() error handling path.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.9.9
- Published
- 2024-07-30
Affected versions
From: 6.9
Until: 6.9.9
Fixed in: 6.9.9
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 6.9.9 or later to resolve a critical memory management issue in the txgbe network driver. The vulnerability allows kernel memory to be accessed after it has been freed during device removal, potentially leading to system instability or privilege escalation. Apply this patch immediately if you are running kernel versions 6.9 through 6.9.8 on systems with Wangxun 10 Gigabit Ethernet adapters.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-devel kernel-headersDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Check your kernel version: uname -r — if the output shows 6.9.0 through 6.9.8, your system is vulnerable
- Verify txgbe driver is loaded: lsmod | grep txgbe — if present, the vulnerable network driver is active
- Check system logs for use-after-free errors: dmesg | grep -i 'use after free\|isb\|txgbe' — exploitation attempts may appear as kernel warnings or panics
- After patching, verify the fix: uname -r should show version 6.9.9 or later, and no UAF errors should appear in dmesg
FAQ
What is CVE-2024-42112?
This vulnerability occurs in the Wangxun txgbe Ethernet driver where interrupt status block (ISB) memory is accessed after being freed during device removal. When using MSI or INTx interrupts, the driver continues to reference freed memory, potentially causing kernel crashes or privilege escalation.
Is CVE-2024-42112 being actively exploited?
No, this vulnerability is not currently listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, and no public exploits are available. However, the high CVSS score (7.8) and use-after-free nature warrant prompt patching.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2024-42112?
Linux kernel versions 6.9 through 6.9.8 are affected. The fix is included in kernel 6.9.9 and all later versions.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2024-42112?
Run `uname -r` to check your kernel version; if it displays 6.9.0–6.9.8, you are vulnerable. Additionally, run `lsmod | grep txgbe` to confirm the affected driver is loaded on your system.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2024-42112?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If Kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2024-42112 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
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