CVE-2024-40972: linux kernel — Fix

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ext4: do not create EA inode under buffer lock ext4_xattr_set_entry() creates new EA inodes while holding buffer lock on the external xattr block. This is problematic as it nests all the allocation locking (which acquires locks on other buffers) under the buffer lock. This can even deadlock when the filesystem is corrupted and e.g. quota file is setup to contain xattr block as data block. Move the allocation of EA inode out of ext4_xattr_set_entry() into the callers.

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CVSS v3.1 Score

5.5

MEDIUM

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-667 CWE-667

Affected Products

Vendor	Product	Versions
linux	linux_kernel	< 6.1.107
linux	linux_kernel	6.2 — 6.6.47
linux	linux_kernel	6.7 — 6.9.7

References

Advisories & Patches

https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0752e7fb549d90c33b4d4186f11cfd25a556d1dd https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0a46ef234756dca04623b7591e8ebb3440622f0b https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/111103907234bffd0a34fba070ad9367de058752 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/737fb7853acd5bc8984f6f42e4bfba3334be8ae1 https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0a46ef234756dca04623b7591e8ebb3440622f0b https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/111103907234bffd0a34fba070ad9367de058752

Other References

https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/01/msg00001.html

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2024-40972? +

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ext4: do not create EA inode under buffer lock ext4_xattr_set_entry() creates new EA inodes while holding buffer lock on the external xattr block. This is problematic as it nests all the allocation locking (which acquires locks on other buffers) under the buffer lock. This can even deadlock when the filesystem is corrupted and e.g. quota file is setup to contain xattr block as data block. Move the allocation of EA inode out of ext4_xattr_set_entry() into the callers. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.5 (MEDIUM).

How severe is CVE-2024-40972? +

CVE-2024-40972 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 5.5 out of 10, rated MEDIUM. This is a medium-severity vulnerability that should be remediated as part of regular maintenance.

What products are affected by CVE-2024-40972? +

CVE-2024-40972 affects products from linux, specifically: linux_kernel. Check the affected products table above for specific version ranges.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2024-40972? +

You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

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CVE-2024-40972