CVE-2024-26996

CVE-2024-26996 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-416.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: usb: gadget: f_ncm: Fix UAF ncm object at re-bind after usb ep transport error When ncm function is working and then stop usb0 interface for link down, eth_stop() is called. At this piont, accidentally if usb transport error should happen in usb_ep_enable(), 'in_ep' and/or 'out_ep' may not be enabled. After that, ncm_disable() is called to disable for ncm unbind but gether_disconnect() is never called since 'in_ep' is not enabled. As the result, ncm object is released in ncm unbind but 'dev->port_usb' associated to 'ncm->port' is not NULL. And when ncm bind again to recover netdev, ncm object is reallocated but usb0 interface is already associated to previous released ncm object. Therefore, once usb0 interface is up and eth_start_xmit() is called, released ncm object is dereferrenced and it might cause use-after-free memory. [function unlink via configfs] usb0: eth_stop dev->port_usb=ffffff9b179c3200 --> error happens in usb_ep_enable(). NCM: ncm_disable: ncm=ffffff9b179c3200 --> no gether_disconnect() since ncm->port.in_ep->enabled is false. NCM: ncm_unbind: ncm unbind ncm=ffffff9b179c3200 NCM: ncm_free: ncm free ncm=ffffff9b179c3200 <-- released ncm [function link via configfs] NCM: ncm_alloc: ncm alloc ncm=ffffff9ac4f8a000 NCM: ncm_bind: ncm bind ncm=ffffff9ac4f8a000 NCM: ncm_set_alt: ncm=ffffff9ac4f8a000 alt=0 usb0: eth_open dev->port_usb=ffffff9b179c3200 <-- previous released ncm usb0: eth_start dev->port_usb=ffffff9b179c3200 <-- eth_start_xmit() --> dev->wrap() Unable to handle kernel paging request at virtual address dead00000000014f This patch addresses the issue by checking if 'ncm->netdev' is not NULL at ncm_disable() to call gether_disconnect() to deassociate 'dev->port_usb'. It's more reasonable to check 'ncm->netdev' to call gether_connect/disconnect rather than check 'ncm->port.in_ep->enabled' since it might not be enabled but the gether connection might be established.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2024-26996?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: usb: gadget: f_ncm: Fix UAF ncm object at re-bind after usb ep transport error When ncm function is working and then stop usb0 interface for link down, eth_stop() is called. At this piont, accidentally if usb transport error should happen in usb_ep_enable(), 'in_ep' and/or 'out_ep' may not be enabled. After that, ncm_disable() is called to disable for ncm unbind but gether_disconnect() is never called since 'in_ep' is not enabled. As the result, ncm object is released in ncm unbind but 'dev->port_usb' associated to 'ncm->port' is not NULL. And when ncm bind again to recover netdev, ncm object is reallocated but usb0 interface is already associated to previous released ncm object. Therefore, once usb0 interface is up and eth_start_xmit() is called, released ncm object is dereferrenced and it might cause use-after-free memory. [function unlink via configfs] usb0: eth_stop dev->port_usb=ffffff9b179c3200 --> error happens in usb_ep_enable(). NCM: ncm_disable: ncm=ffffff9b179c3200 --> no gether_disconnect() since ncm->port.in_ep->enabled is false. NCM: ncm_unbind: ncm unbind ncm=ffffff9b179c3200 NCM: ncm_free: ncm free ncm=ffffff9b179c3200 <-- released ncm [function link via configfs] NCM: ncm_alloc: ncm alloc ncm=ffffff9ac4f8a000 NCM: ncm_bind: ncm bind ncm=ffffff9ac4f8a000 NCM: ncm_set_alt: ncm=ffffff9ac4f8a000 alt=0 usb0: eth_open dev->port_usb=ffffff9b179c3200 <-- previous released ncm usb0: eth_start dev->port_usb=ffffff9b179c3200 <-- eth_start_xmit() --> dev->wrap() Unable to handle kernel paging request at virtual address dead00000000014f This patch addresses the issue by checking if 'ncm->netdev' is not NULL at ncm_disable() to call gether_disconnect() to deassociate 'dev->port_usb'. It's more reasonable to check 'ncm->netdev' to call gether_connect/disconnect rather than check 'ncm->port.in_ep->enabled' since it might not be enabled but the gether connection might be established.
How severe is CVE-2024-26996?
CVE-2024-26996 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2024-26996 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (14th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2024-26996?
CVE-2024-26996 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2024-26996?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2024-26996 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2024-26996 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2024-24258.
When was CVE-2024-26996 published?
CVE-2024-26996 was published on 2024-05-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (5)

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