CVE-2024-27077 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the media subsystem's v4l2-mem2mem (Video4Linux2 memory-to-memory) framework. The issue arises from a memory leak in the function v4l2_m2m_register_entity, where the entity's name (entity->name) is dynamically allocated but not properly freed in error-handling paths following the allocation. This results in a memory leak when certain error conditions occur during the registration of media entities. The vulnerability does not appear to allow direct code execution or privilege escalation but can lead to resource exhaustion over time if the leaking code path is triggered repeatedly. The patch for this vulnerability involves adding the missing deallocation to ensure that the allocated memory for entity->name is freed appropriately during error handling, preventing the leak. The affected versions are identified by a specific commit hash repeated multiple times, indicating the vulnerability exists in certain kernel builds prior to the patch. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no CVSS score has been assigned. The vulnerability is primarily a reliability and resource management issue within the Linux kernel's media framework.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-27077 is generally limited to potential degradation of system stability and availability rather than direct compromise of confidentiality or integrity. Systems running Linux kernels with the vulnerable v4l2-mem2mem subsystem, especially those heavily utilizing media processing capabilities (such as video streaming, broadcasting, or multimedia applications), could experience gradual memory exhaustion if the error path triggering the leak is exercised repeatedly. This could lead to performance degradation, application crashes, or in extreme cases, system instability requiring reboots. While the vulnerability does not enable remote code execution or privilege escalation, denial-of-service conditions caused by resource leaks can disrupt critical services. European organizations relying on Linux-based media servers, embedded devices, or multimedia processing infrastructure should be aware of this risk. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the need for timely patching to maintain system reliability and prevent potential service interruptions.

To mitigate CVE-2024-27077, European organizations should: 1) Apply the official Linux kernel patch that fixes the memory leak in v4l2_m2m_register_entity as soon as it is available and tested in their environment. 2) Identify and inventory systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions, particularly those using media processing features, to prioritize patch deployment. 3) Monitor system logs and resource usage metrics for signs of memory leaks or abnormal resource consumption related to media entity registration. 4) Where possible, limit exposure by restricting access to media device interfaces to trusted users and processes, reducing the likelihood of triggering the error path. 5) Implement robust system monitoring and alerting to detect early signs of resource exhaustion or instability. 6) For embedded or specialized devices, coordinate with vendors for firmware or kernel updates incorporating the fix. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on targeted patching, proactive monitoring, and access control specific to the affected subsystem.