CVE-2024-56603·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: af_can: do not leave a dangling sk pointer in can_create() On error can_create() frees the allocated sk object, but sock_init_data() has already attached it to the provided sock object. This will leave a dangling sk pointer in the sock object and may cause use-after-free later.
- 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 use-after-free vulnerability in the CAN socket implementation. The vulnerability occurs when socket creation fails after the socket structure has been initialized, leaving a dangling pointer that could be exploited for memory corruption. Perform a kernel update followed by a system reboot to apply the fix.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-devel && sudo rebootDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Run `uname -r` to check your current kernel version and confirm it is below 6.12.5
- Check if CAN networking modules are loaded: `lsmod | grep can` — if output shows can or can_raw modules, the vulnerable code path is active
- Review dmesg logs for socket creation failures: `dmesg | grep -i 'can\|socket\|error' | tail -20` to identify potential exploitation attempts
- After patching, verify the new kernel version with `uname -r` and confirm it matches 6.12.5 or later
FAQ
What is CVE-2024-56603?
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's CAN (Controller Area Network) socket implementation where improper error handling leaves a dangling pointer in memory, potentially allowing local privilege escalation or denial of service.
Is CVE-2024-56603 being actively exploited?
No, this vulnerability is not listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and no public exploits are currently available.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2024-56603?
Linux kernel versions 6.7 through 6.12.4 are vulnerable; kernel 6.12.5 and later include the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2024-56603?
Run `uname -r` and compare your kernel version to 6.12.5. If your version is between 6.7 and 6.12.4 inclusive, your system is vulnerable.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2024-56603?
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-2024-56603 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1fe625f12d090d69f3f084990c7e4c1ff94bfe5f
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5947c9ac08f0771ea8ed64186b0d52e9029cb6c0
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/811a7ca7320c062e15d0f5b171fe6ad8592d1434
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/884ae8bcee749be43a071d6ed2d89058dbd2425c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8df832e6b945e1ba61467d7f1c9305e314ae92fe
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