CVE-2024-44971

CVE-2024-44971 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-401.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: dsa: bcm_sf2: Fix a possible memory leak in bcm_sf2_mdio_register() bcm_sf2_mdio_register() calls of_phy_find_device() and then phy_device_remove() in a loop to remove existing PHY devices. of_phy_find_device() eventually calls bus_find_device(), which calls get_device() on the returned struct device * to increment the refcount. The current implementation does not decrement the refcount, which causes memory leak. This commit adds the missing phy_device_free() call to decrement the refcount via put_device() to balance the refcount.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2024-44971?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: dsa: bcm_sf2: Fix a possible memory leak in bcm_sf2_mdio_register() bcm_sf2_mdio_register() calls of_phy_find_device() and then phy_device_remove() in a loop to remove existing PHY devices. of_phy_find_device() eventually calls bus_find_device(), which calls get_device() on the returned struct device * to increment the refcount. The current implementation does not decrement the refcount, which causes memory leak. This commit adds the missing phy_device_free() call to decrement the refcount via put_device() to balance the refcount.
How severe is CVE-2024-44971?
CVE-2024-44971 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-2024-44971 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (11th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2024-44971?
CVE-2024-44971 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2024-44971?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
Does CVE-2024-44971 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2024-44971 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2024-41173.
When was CVE-2024-44971 published?
CVE-2024-44971 was published on 2024-09-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

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