CVE-2024-38576 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Read-Copy-Update (RCU) subsystem, specifically within the print_cpu_stall_info() function. This function is responsible for reporting CPU stall information, which is critical for debugging and system performance monitoring. The vulnerability arises from a buffer overflow condition caused by improper handling of the jiffies difference value, which represents the time difference in kernel ticks. When there is an unusually large difference in jiffies, the function's output buffer can overflow, potentially leading to memory corruption. This is exacerbated by the use of sprintf() instead of the safer snprintf(), which does not limit the number of characters written to the buffer. Additionally, the code prints an unsigned jiffies difference using the %ld format specifier, intended for signed long integers, which is unconventional but was done for debugging clarity. The fix involves replacing sprintf() with snprintf() to prevent buffer overflow and adding clarifying comments about the format specifier usage. Although the scenario causing the overflow might seem improbable, it can occur due to system time anomalies, making this a realistic threat. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges (AV:L/PR:L), does not require user interaction, and affects confidentiality and availability significantly (C:H/A:H), but not integrity. No known exploits are currently in the wild, but the potential impact justifies prompt patching.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those relying heavily on Linux-based infrastructure, including servers, embedded systems, and critical network devices. The buffer overflow could be exploited to cause denial of service (system crashes or kernel panics), leading to service outages and operational disruptions. The high confidentiality impact suggests that exploitation might allow attackers to leak sensitive kernel memory contents, potentially exposing critical information. Given the Linux kernel's widespread use in European data centers, cloud providers, telecommunications, and industrial control systems, the vulnerability could affect a broad range of sectors including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, as attackers with limited user privileges or insider threats could leverage this flaw to escalate impact. The absence of user interaction requirements means automated or scripted attacks could be feasible once local access is obtained. Overall, the vulnerability could undermine system stability and confidentiality, affecting compliance with stringent European data protection regulations such as GDPR if sensitive data exposure occurs.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the patched versions that replace sprintf() with snprintf() in the print_cpu_stall_info() function. Since the vulnerability requires local access, enforcing strict access controls and minimizing user privileges can reduce exploitation risk. Implementing kernel lockdown features and mandatory access controls (e.g., SELinux, AppArmor) can further restrict the ability of low-privilege users to trigger this vulnerability. Regularly auditing and monitoring system logs for unusual CPU stall reports or kernel anomalies can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also ensure time synchronization services (e.g., NTP) are correctly configured to prevent abnormal jiffies differences caused by system time errors. For environments where patching is delayed, consider isolating critical Linux systems and limiting local user access. Finally, maintain an incident response plan that includes steps for kernel-level vulnerabilities to quickly address potential exploitation.