CVE-2024-38543

CVE-2024-38543 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5. 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-476.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: lib/test_hmm.c: handle src_pfns and dst_pfns allocation failure The kcalloc() in dmirror_device_evict_chunk() will return null if the physical memory has run out. As a result, if src_pfns or dst_pfns is dereferenced, the null pointer dereference bug will happen. Moreover, the device is going away. If the kcalloc() fails, the pages mapping a chunk could not be evicted. So add a __GFP_NOFAIL flag in kcalloc(). Finally, as there is no need to have physically contiguous memory, Switch kcalloc() to kvcalloc() in order to avoid failing allocations.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2024-38543?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: lib/test_hmm.c: handle src_pfns and dst_pfns allocation failure The kcalloc() in dmirror_device_evict_chunk() will return null if the physical memory has run out. As a result, if src_pfns or dst_pfns is dereferenced, the null pointer dereference bug will happen. Moreover, the device is going away. If the kcalloc() fails, the pages mapping a chunk could not be evicted. So add a __GFP_NOFAIL flag in kcalloc(). Finally, as there is no need to have physically contiguous memory, Switch kcalloc() to kvcalloc() in order to avoid failing allocations.
How severe is CVE-2024-38543?
CVE-2024-38543 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.5, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2024-38543 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (15th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2024-38543?
CVE-2024-38543 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2024-38543?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2024-38543 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2024-38543 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2024-37406.
When was CVE-2024-38543 published?
CVE-2024-38543 was published on 2024-06-19 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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