A significant vulnerability, designated as CVE-2024-56726, is addressed in the Linux kernel. This vulnerability affects the octeontx2-pf driver, specifically with handling errors in the function otx2_mbox_get_rsp(). The commit that resolves this issue can be found in the Linux kernel source tree.

Description of the Vulnerability

The Linux kernel's octeontx2-pf driver is required for handling the physical functions of Marvell's Octeon TX2 CN10K family of network processors. However, there was a clear lack of error checking with the otx2_mbox_get_rsp() function, leading to the possibility of unexpected behavior and potential crashes. The error that needed checking was the lack of an error pointer check after the otx2_mbox_get_rsp() function was called.

Resolution Details

After identifying the vulnerability, a patch was implemented by adding an error pointer check after calling the otx2_mbox_get_rsp() function. The code snippet below demonstrates the changes made:

/* Old code */
msg_rsp = otx2_mbox_get_rsp(mbox, (struct otx2_mbox_msg *)msg);
/* ... */

/* New code */
msg_rsp = otx2_mbox_get_rsp(mbox, (struct otx2_mbox_msg *)msg);
if (IS_ERR(msg_rsp)) {
    dev_err(&pf->pdev->dev, "Failed to get MBOX response status");
    return PTR_ERR(msg_rsp);
}

With the addition of error pointer checking, the Linux kernel is protected against any adverse effects that could arise from unhandled errors in the otx2_mbox_get_rsp() function.

Original References

- Commit that resolves the issue in the kernel source tree: Link
- Linux kernel source code: Link
- OcteonTX2 Documentation: Link

Conclusion

CVE-2024-56726 is a vulnerability affecting the Linux kernel's octeontx2-pf driver for Marvell Octeon TX2 CN10K network processors. By implementing an error pointer check, this vulnerability has been resolved, thus improving the stability and security of the Linux kernel.

Users of Marvell Octeon TX2 CN10K network processors are advised to update their Linux kernel to include the resolving commit to protect their systems against potential crashes and unexpected behavior.

Timeline

Published on: 12/29/2024 12:15:06 UTC
Last modified on: 01/06/2025 17:10:17 UTC