{"id":44718,"date":"2025-05-26T13:45:21","date_gmt":"2025-05-26T13:45:21","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-10-02T17:20:45","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T23:20:45","slug":"cve-2024-46687-critical-use-after-free-vulnerability-in-linux-kernel-btrfs-file-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ameeba.com\/blog\/cve-2024-46687-critical-use-after-free-vulnerability-in-linux-kernel-btrfs-file-system\/","title":{"rendered":"CVE-2024-46687: Critical Use-After-Free Vulnerability in Linux Kernel Btrfs File System<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n

In this blog post, we delve into CVE-2024-46687, a critical vulnerability found in the Linux kernel. It primarily affects the Btrfs file system, a modern file system developed to address the needs of contemporary Linux systems. This vulnerability is of particular concern due<\/a> to its potential to compromise system integrity or lead to data leakage. As Linux is widely used in servers worldwide, it’s crucial to understand and mitigate this vulnerability swiftly to maintain system<\/a> security.<\/p>\n

Vulnerability Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n

CVE ID: CVE-2024-46687
\nSeverity: High (7.8 CVSS Score)
\nAttack Vector: Local
\nPrivileges Required: Low
\nUser Interaction: None
\nImpact: Potential system<\/a> compromise or data leakage<\/p>\n

Affected Products<\/strong><\/p>\n

Product | Affected Versions<\/p>\n

Linux Kernel<\/a> | 6.11.0-rc2-next-20240805-default+ #76 and previous versions<\/p>\n

How the Exploit Works<\/strong><\/p>\n

The vulnerability resides in the `btrfs_submit_chunk()` function, where an error can trigger a double freeing, leading to a use-after-free<\/a> scenario. This condition arises when a bio structure in the kernel<\/a> memory is prematurely freed, but a reference to it still exists. An attacker can exploit this condition and potentially gain unauthorized access<\/a>, modify data, or crash the system.<\/p>\n

Conceptual Example Code<\/strong><\/p>\n

Exploiting this vulnerability would typically involve a sequence of system<\/a> calls designed to trigger the error condition. While an exact exploit code is beyond the scope of this blog post, it would conceptually look like this in pseudocode:<\/p>\n

\/\/ Initialize bio structure\nbio_struct = init_bio();\n\/\/ Trigger the use-after-free vulnerability\ntrigger_uaf_vulnerability(bio_struct);\n\/\/ Exploit the use-after-free vulnerability\nexploit_uaf_vulnerability(bio_struct);<\/code><\/pre>\n
The `trigger_uaf_vulnerability()` function would involve operations that lead to the double<\/a> freeing condition in `btrfs_submit_chunk()`. The `exploit_uaf_vulnerability()` function would then attempt to use the freed `bio_struct` to gain unauthorized access<\/a> or modify data.<\/p>\n
Mitigation Guidance<\/strong><\/p>\n
To mitigate this vulnerability, users are advised to apply the vendor patch as soon as it becomes available. In the interim, using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can provide temporary mitigation. Regular system updates and adherence to security best practices can help prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n
CVE-2024-46687 is a critical vulnerability<\/a> that underscores the importance of diligent system maintenance and security vigilance. By understanding its mechanics, we can better prepare and protect our systems<\/a> against such threats. Always stay informed about the latest vulnerabilities<\/a> and ensure your systems are regularly patched and updated.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Overview In this blog post, we delve into CVE-2024-46687, a critical vulnerability found in the Linux kernel. It primarily affects the Btrfs file system, a modern file system developed to address the needs of contemporary Linux systems. This vulnerability is of particular concern due to its potential to compromise system integrity or lead to data […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"vendor":[88],"product":[95],"attack_vector":[],"asset_type":[],"severity":[],"exploit_status":[],"class_list":["post-44718","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","vendor-linux","product-linux-kernel"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t