CVE-2024-46836 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the USB gadget driver for the ASPEED USB device controller (aspeed_udc). The issue arises from insufficient validation of the endpoint index used by the host to interact with the USB device controller. The vulnerability is due to a lack of proper bounds checking on the endpoint array index, which could allow a malicious host to manipulate the index to reference memory locations beyond the intended endpoint array. This could potentially lead to out-of-bounds memory access, which might be exploited to cause memory corruption, data leakage, or denial of service. The flaw was discovered through static code analysis and has been addressed by adding proper validation to ensure the endpoint index remains within valid bounds. The affected versions are specific commits of the Linux kernel source code, indicating that this is a recent and targeted fix. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability affects the Linux kernel's USB gadget subsystem, which is used in embedded devices and servers that expose USB device functionality to hosts via the ASPEED USB device controller hardware.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-46836 depends largely on the deployment of Linux systems utilizing the ASPEED USB device controller in gadget mode. This hardware is commonly found in server management controllers (BMCs) and embedded systems, which are prevalent in data centers, telecommunications infrastructure, and industrial control systems. Exploitation could allow a connected host to manipulate the USB gadget interface to trigger out-of-bounds memory access, potentially leading to system crashes or unauthorized memory access. This could disrupt critical services, cause denial of service conditions, or in worst cases, allow privilege escalation or data leakage if combined with other vulnerabilities. Given the role of ASPEED controllers in server management, exploitation could compromise the management plane of servers, impacting availability and integrity of critical infrastructure. European organizations relying on Linux-based servers with ASPEED controllers, especially in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and government, could face operational disruptions or targeted attacks leveraging this vulnerability.

To mitigate CVE-2024-46836, organizations should promptly apply the Linux kernel patches that include the endpoint index validation fix for the aspeed_udc driver. Since this vulnerability is in the kernel, updating to the latest stable kernel version that addresses this issue is critical. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should restrict physical or logical access to USB gadget interfaces, especially on management controllers using ASPEED hardware. Network segmentation and strict access controls can limit exposure to potentially malicious hosts attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring logs for unusual USB gadget activity and employing host-based intrusion detection systems can help detect exploitation attempts. Vendors of embedded devices and server management controllers should be engaged to ensure firmware and kernel updates are available and applied. Finally, organizations should review their asset inventory to identify systems using ASPEED USB device controllers and prioritize patching accordingly.