CVE-2024-23307: Linux Kernel Integer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE-2024-23307 Overview

CVE-2024-23307 is an Integer Overflow or Wraparound vulnerability affecting the Linux kernel, specifically within the md, raid, and raid5 modules. This flaw allows a local attacker with low privileges to trigger a forced integer overflow condition, potentially leading to memory corruption, privilege escalation, or system compromise.

Critical Impact

A local attacker can exploit this integer overflow vulnerability in the Linux kernel's RAID5 subsystem to achieve high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Affected Products

• Linux Kernel (multiple versions)
• Linux Kernel on x86 architecture
• Linux Kernel on ARM architecture

Discovery Timeline

• January 25, 2024 - CVE-2024-23307 published to NVD
• January 22, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-23307

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's software RAID implementation, specifically affecting the md (multiple devices), raid, and raid5 modules. The flaw is classified as CWE-190 (Integer Overflow or Wraparound), which occurs when an arithmetic operation results in a value that exceeds the maximum size of the integer type used to store it.

In the context of the RAID5 subsystem, integer overflow conditions can lead to incorrect buffer size calculations, potentially resulting in heap corruption, out-of-bounds memory access, or other undefined behavior. An attacker with local access and low privileges can craft specific operations that trigger the overflow condition.

The vulnerability requires local access to exploit, meaning an attacker must already have some form of access to the target system. However, once triggered, the vulnerability can affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, making it a significant security concern for systems utilizing software RAID configurations.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is improper handling of integer arithmetic operations within the RAID5 subsystem of the Linux kernel. When processing certain RAID-related calculations, the kernel fails to properly validate integer boundaries, allowing wraparound conditions that can result in unexpected behavior. This oversight in bounds checking enables an attacker to manipulate the system into allocating incorrectly sized memory regions or performing operations on unintended memory locations.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access to the system with low privileges. An attacker can interact with the RAID subsystem through standard Linux interfaces to trigger the integer overflow condition. The exploitation does not require user interaction and operates within the local system scope.

The vulnerability manifests during arithmetic operations within the md, raid, and raid5 kernel modules. Attackers can craft specific parameters or operations that cause integer values to overflow, leading to memory corruption scenarios. For detailed technical analysis, refer to the OpenAnolis Bug Report #7975.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-23307

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected kernel panics or system crashes related to md or raid5 modules
• Anomalous memory allocation patterns in kernel logs associated with RAID operations
• Suspicious local user activity targeting RAID configuration interfaces
• Kernel oops messages referencing md, raid, or raid5 module functions

Detection Strategies

• Monitor kernel logs for errors or warnings related to the md, raid, and raid5 modules
• Implement system call auditing to detect unusual interactions with RAID subsystem interfaces
• Deploy kernel-level monitoring solutions to identify memory corruption attempts
• Use SentinelOne Singularity Platform for real-time kernel-level threat detection

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive kernel logging with increased verbosity for storage subsystems
• Configure alerting for any unexpected behavior in RAID array management operations
• Regularly review system logs for signs of exploitation attempts targeting storage modules
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical kernel module files

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-23307

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Linux kernel to the latest patched version available from your distribution
• Restrict local access to systems using software RAID configurations where possible
• Implement principle of least privilege to minimize the attack surface
• Monitor affected systems for signs of exploitation while awaiting patch deployment

Patch Information

Organizations should apply kernel updates from their Linux distribution vendor as they become available. The vulnerability affects multiple kernel versions across different architectures (x86 and ARM). Check with your specific Linux distribution (Red Hat, Ubuntu, Debian, SUSE, etc.) for the appropriate patched kernel version.

For additional technical details and patch information, refer to the OpenAnolis Bug Report #7975.

Workarounds

• Limit local user access to systems with software RAID configurations until patches can be applied
• Consider using hardware RAID controllers as an alternative where software RAID is not strictly required
• Implement additional access controls and monitoring on systems utilizing md/raid5 modules
• Isolate affected systems from untrusted users where immediate patching is not feasible

# Check current kernel version
uname -r

# Verify if RAID modules are loaded
lsmod | grep -E 'md|raid'

# Check for available kernel updates (Debian/Ubuntu)
apt update && apt list --upgradable | grep linux

# Check for available kernel updates (RHEL/CentOS)
yum check-update kernel