CVE-2024-38627 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel related to the stm (Secure Touch Module) device driver. The issue arises from a double free condition in the stm_register_device() function. Specifically, the call to put_device(&stm->dev) triggers the stm_device_release() function, which frees the memory associated with the stm structure. However, immediately following this call, the code attempts to free the same memory again using vfree(stm), resulting in a double free vulnerability. Double free bugs can lead to undefined behavior including memory corruption, potential kernel crashes (denial of service), or exploitation opportunities such as privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution within the kernel context. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel as indicated by the affected commit hashes. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild at the time of publication, the nature of the vulnerability in kernel space makes it a significant risk if exploited. The vulnerability was reserved and published in June 2024, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The Linux kernel is widely used across many distributions and environments, including servers, desktops, and embedded systems, making this a broadly relevant security issue.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial given the widespread use of Linux in critical infrastructure, enterprise servers, cloud environments, and embedded devices. Exploitation could lead to kernel crashes causing denial of service, disrupting business operations and availability of services. More critically, if leveraged for privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution, attackers could gain root-level access, compromising confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data and systems. This is particularly concerning for sectors such as finance, telecommunications, government, and healthcare, which rely heavily on Linux-based systems. The vulnerability could also affect cloud service providers and hosting platforms operating in Europe, potentially impacting multiple customers. Although no active exploits are known, the vulnerability’s presence in the kernel codebase means that attackers with local access or the ability to execute code on vulnerable systems could attempt exploitation. The risk is heightened in environments where untrusted users or processes have some level of access to the system.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest patched versions that address CVE-2024-38627 as soon as patches become available from their Linux distribution vendors. Since this is a kernel-level vulnerability, applying vendor-supplied kernel updates is the most effective mitigation. Organizations should also audit and restrict local user access to systems, minimizing the number of users who can execute code or commands on critical Linux hosts. Employing kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR), Kernel Page Table Isolation (KPTI), and enabling security modules like SELinux or AppArmor can reduce exploitation risk. Monitoring system logs for unusual kernel errors or crashes related to stm devices can provide early detection of attempted exploitation. For embedded or specialized Linux systems, vendors should be contacted to ensure firmware or kernel updates are applied. Additionally, organizations should review and limit the use of the stm device driver if it is not required, potentially disabling or blacklisting the module to reduce the attack surface.