CVE-2024-46713 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's performance monitoring subsystem, specifically within the handling of the AUX buffer used by the perf subsystem. The issue arises because the existing synchronization mechanism, which relies on event->mmap_mutex, is insufficient to properly serialize access to the AUX buffer. This can lead to race conditions or data corruption during performance event monitoring. The fix involves introducing a dedicated per-ring-buffer (RB) mutex to ensure full serialization of the AUX buffer operations. Additionally, the patch corrects the lock ordering comments related to perf_event::mmap_mutex and mmap_lock, which were previously inaccurate. Although the vulnerability does not have an assigned CVSS score and no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the flaw affects the Linux kernel, which is widely used across servers, desktops, and embedded devices. Improper synchronization in kernel subsystems can potentially be leveraged to cause denial of service, data corruption, or privilege escalation, depending on the context and exploitability. The vulnerability was reserved and published in September 2024, indicating it is a recent discovery and patching is recommended to maintain system integrity and stability.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-46713 could be significant due to the widespread use of Linux in enterprise servers, cloud infrastructure, and critical systems. If exploited, the vulnerability could lead to instability or crashes in systems performing performance monitoring, potentially disrupting operations or causing denial of service. In environments where performance data is critical for security monitoring or system optimization, corrupted or unreliable data could impair incident response or system tuning. While no active exploits are known, the vulnerability's presence in the kernel means that attackers with local access might attempt to exploit it to escalate privileges or disrupt services. This is particularly relevant for organizations running multi-tenant environments, cloud providers, or those relying on Linux-based infrastructure for critical applications. The impact on confidentiality is likely limited, but integrity and availability could be affected. Given the kernel-level nature, exploitation could have broad system-wide consequences.

European organizations should prioritize applying the official Linux kernel patches that address CVE-2024-46713 as soon as they become available from their Linux distribution vendors. Since this is a kernel-level vulnerability, updating to the latest stable kernel version containing the fix is the most effective mitigation. Organizations should also audit their use of the perf subsystem and consider restricting access to performance monitoring features to trusted users only, minimizing the attack surface. Employing kernel security modules (e.g., SELinux, AppArmor) to limit the capabilities of untrusted processes can further reduce risk. Monitoring system logs for unusual perf subsystem activity and maintaining robust system integrity checks can help detect exploitation attempts. In environments where immediate patching is not feasible, temporarily disabling or limiting perf event monitoring may be considered as a risk mitigation measure. Finally, maintaining a strong patch management process and staying informed about kernel security advisories is critical.