CVE-2024-56596·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: jfs: fix array-index-out-of-bounds in jfs_readdir The stbl might contain some invalid values. Added a check to return error code in that case.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.12.5
- 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 1% 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-2024-56596 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: 6.12.5
Fixed in: 6.12.5
How to fix this CVE
Update the Linux kernel to version 6.12.5 or later to resolve an array index out-of-bounds vulnerability in the JFS filesystem's directory reading function. This vulnerability allows local attackers with standard user privileges to trigger a kernel crash or potentially execute arbitrary code by exploiting improper validation of filesystem metadata. Apply the security update immediately across all affected systems running kernel versions 6.7 through 6.12.4.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Step 1: Check current kernel version with 'uname -r' and compare against the vulnerable range 6.7–6.12.4
- Step 2: Verify JFS filesystem is in use by running 'mount | grep jfs' or 'df -t jfs'
- Step 3: Search system logs for JFS-related errors using 'grep -i 'jfs' /var/log/kern.log' or 'journalctl -u kernel | grep jfs'
- Step 4: After patching, confirm the new kernel version with 'uname -r' and verify it is 6.12.5 or later
FAQ
What is CVE-2024-56596?
CVE-2024-56596 is a buffer overrun vulnerability in the Linux kernel's JFS (Journaled File System) implementation where the directory reading function (jfs_readdir) fails to validate array indices, allowing local users to trigger memory corruption.
Is CVE-2024-56596 being actively exploited?
No, this vulnerability is not listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog and there are no public exploits available, though local exploitation is possible.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2024-56596?
Linux kernel versions 6.7 through 6.12.4 are vulnerable; version 6.12.5 and later contain the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2024-56596?
Run 'uname -r' to retrieve your kernel version, then verify it falls within the 6.7–6.12.4 range. If yes, and your system uses JFS, you are vulnerable and should patch immediately.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2024-56596?
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-2024-56596 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/839f102efb168f02dfdd46717b7c6dddb26b015e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8ff7579554571d92e3deab168f5a7d7b146ed368
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/97e693593162eef6851d232f0c8148169ed46a5c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9efe72eefd4c4a7ce63b3e4d667d766d2b360cb4
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b62f41aeec9d250144c53875b507c1d45ae8c8fc
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