CVE-2024-56601·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: inet: do not leave a dangling sk pointer in inet_create() sock_init_data() attaches the allocated sk object to the provided sock object. If inet_create() fails later, the sk object is freed, but the sock object retains the dangling pointer, which may create use-after-free later. Clear the sk pointer in the sock object on error.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.12.5
- Published
- 2024-12-27
Affected versions
From: 6.7
Until: 6.12.5
Fixed in: 6.12.5
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 6.12.5 or later to resolve this memory management vulnerability. The vulnerability creates a dangling pointer that persists after socket creation failure, potentially leading to use-after-free conditions. Apply kernel security updates through your distribution's package manager and reboot your system to activate the patched kernel.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-devel && sudo rebootDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Check installed kernel version: uname -r — ensure it is 6.12.5 or later
- Verify vulnerable kernel range: if output shows 6.7 through 6.12.4, the system is vulnerable
- Search kernel logs for socket creation failures: dmesg | grep -i 'socket\|inet_create\|use-after-free' to identify potential exploitation attempts
- Confirm patch application: grep -i 'inet_create' /boot/config-$(uname -r) and verify the socket initialization code path has been corrected in the running kernel
FAQ
What is CVE-2024-56601?
This vulnerability is a memory management flaw in the Linux kernel's socket creation routine where a dangling pointer remains attached to a socket object after memory deallocation fails, creating potential use-after-free conditions that could lead to privilege escalation or system instability.
Is CVE-2024-56601 being actively exploited?
No, there is no evidence of active exploitation in the wild, and no public exploit code is currently available for this vulnerability.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2024-56601?
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-2024-56601?
Run 'uname -r' and compare your kernel version against the vulnerable range 6.7-6.12.4; if your version falls within that range, your system requires the security update.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2024-56601?
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-2024-56601 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/25447c6aaa7235f155292b0c58a067347e8ae891
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2bc34d8c8898ae9fddf4612501aabb22d76c2b2c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3e8258070b0f2aba66b3ef18883de229674fb288
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/691d6d816f93b2a1008c14178399061466e674ef
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9365fa510c6f82e3aa550a09d0c5c6b44dbc78ff
Track CVEs across your fleet automatically
Defensia scans your Linux servers and tells you exactly which ones are running vulnerable versions — including CVE-2024-56601. Free for 1 server.
Get started free