CVE-2024-50209·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: RDMA/bnxt_re: Add a check for memory allocation __alloc_pbl() can return error when memory allocation fails. Driver is not checking the status on one of the instances.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.11.6
- Published
How likely is exploitation
FIRST's Exploit Prediction Scoring System puts the probability of this CVE being exploited in the next 30 days at <0.1% — higher than 6% of all published CVEs. EPSS is an independent forecast of exploitation, not a severity rating: it says nothing about how much damage a successful attack does, which is what a CVSS score measures.
Read the two together. CVE-2024-50209 scores 7.8 on CVSS, so a successful attack would be serious — but at <0.1%, almost nobody is currently attempting it. That is a different situation from a flaw under mass exploitation, and it is usually the difference between patching on your next maintenance window and patching tonight.
Affected versions
From: 6.7
Until: 6.11.6
Fixed in: 6.11.6
How to fix this CVE
CVE-2024-50209 is a memory allocation failure check in the RDMA bnxt_re driver that can lead to kernel instability or privilege escalation. Upgrade your Linux kernel to version 6.11.6 or later to include the necessary validation logic for memory allocation operations. Systems running kernel versions 6.7 through 6.11.5 should prioritize this update to prevent potential exploitation by local users with minimal privileges.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Step 1: Check installed kernel version with `uname -r` and compare against affected range 6.7 to 6.11.5
- Step 2: Verify if RDMA/bnxt_re driver is loaded with `lsmod | grep bnxt_re`
- Step 3: Search system logs for memory allocation errors related to RDMA: `journalctl -u kernel | grep -i 'alloc_pbl\|bnxt_re.*alloc'`
- Step 4: After patching, confirm new kernel version with `uname -r` and verify it matches 6.11.6 or later
FAQ
What is CVE-2024-50209?
CVE-2024-50209 is a kernel vulnerability in the RDMA bnxt_re driver where a memory allocation failure is not properly validated, potentially allowing local privilege escalation or denial of service.
Is CVE-2024-50209 being actively exploited?
No, according to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, CVE-2024-50209 is not currently being actively exploited in the wild, and no public exploits are available.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2024-50209?
Linux kernel versions 6.7 through 6.11.5 are vulnerable. The vulnerability has been resolved in kernel version 6.11.6 and later.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2024-50209?
Run `uname -r` to display your kernel version and compare it against the affected range (6.7-6.11.5). If your version falls within this range and the bnxt_re module is loaded (`lsmod | grep bnxt_re`), your system is vulnerable.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2024-50209?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If the Linux kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2024-50209 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/322a19baaaa25a1fe8ce9fceaed9409ad847844c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/76dd679c3b148d23f72dcf6c3cde3d5f746b2c07
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ba9045887b435a4c5551245ae034b8791b4e4aaa
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c5c1ae73b7741fa3b58e6e001b407825bb971225
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c71957271f2e8133a6aa82001c2fa671d5008129
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