CVE-2024-41019 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's NTFS3 filesystem driver, specifically within the handling of the 'first free' (ff) offset during filesystem operations. The vulnerability arises because the code performs an initial check on the 'rt->first_free' offset but subsequently walks through the 'ff' offsets without validating them. If a second 'ff' offset is maliciously crafted to be a large or out-of-bound value, this can lead to an out-of-bounds read condition. Such a flaw can cause the kernel to read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially leading to information disclosure, kernel crashes (denial of service), or other undefined behavior. The vulnerability is rooted in insufficient input validation and boundary checking in the NTFS3 driver code path. The issue was addressed by adding sanity checks for the 'ff' offset to prevent out-of-bound reads. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The affected versions appear to be specific commits or builds of the Linux kernel prior to the patch. This vulnerability is significant because the Linux kernel is widely used across servers, desktops, and embedded devices, and NTFS3 is the driver responsible for NTFS filesystem support, commonly used for interoperability with Windows filesystems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to systems running Linux kernels with the vulnerable NTFS3 driver, especially those that mount or interact with NTFS filesystems. This includes servers, workstations, and embedded devices that rely on NTFS volumes for data exchange or storage. Potential impacts include unauthorized disclosure of kernel memory contents if an attacker can craft malicious NTFS filesystem structures or files, leading to leakage of sensitive information. Additionally, exploitation could cause kernel panics or crashes, resulting in denial of service and operational disruption. While no known exploits exist yet, the widespread use of Linux in critical infrastructure, government, finance, and industrial sectors in Europe means that successful exploitation could disrupt services or compromise confidentiality. The vulnerability could be leveraged by local attackers with access to mount or manipulate NTFS filesystems, or potentially by remote attackers if network shares or removable media are involved. The impact on integrity is limited as the vulnerability is a read-type flaw, but availability and confidentiality are at risk.

European organizations should promptly update their Linux kernel to the latest patched versions that include the fix for CVE-2024-41019. Specifically, ensure that the NTFS3 driver in use has the added sanity checks for the 'ff' offset. Systems that do not require NTFS support should consider disabling or unloading the NTFS3 driver to reduce attack surface. For systems that must interact with NTFS filesystems, validate and sanitize all NTFS volumes before mounting, especially those from untrusted sources or removable media. Employ strict access controls to limit who can mount or write to NTFS filesystems. Monitoring kernel logs for unusual NTFS3 driver errors or crashes can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, implement endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous kernel behavior. Network segmentation and restricting access to systems that handle NTFS volumes can reduce exposure. Finally, maintain regular backups and incident response plans to recover from potential denial of service caused by exploitation.