CVE-2024-49860 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel related to the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) sysfs interface, specifically concerning the validation of the return type of the _STR method. ACPI is a critical component used by operating systems to perform power management and device configuration. The _STR method is expected to return buffer objects only. However, this vulnerability arises because the kernel did not properly validate the return type of the _STR method, allowing it to return other types. When a non-buffer object is returned, the kernel's description_show() function attempts to access memory assuming it is a valid buffer, leading to invalid memory access. This can cause kernel crashes (denial of service) or potentially be leveraged for further exploitation depending on the context of the memory access. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel as indicated by the repeated commit hash references. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The issue was published on October 21, 2024, and is considered a security vulnerability requiring patching. The lack of proper type validation in kernel code is a classic source of stability and security issues, and this particular flaw could be triggered by malicious or malformed ACPI tables or firmware that return unexpected data types from the _STR method. This vulnerability highlights the importance of strict input validation in kernel interfaces that interact with hardware or firmware components.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-49860 can be significant, especially for those relying heavily on Linux-based infrastructure, including servers, cloud environments, and embedded systems. The vulnerability could lead to kernel crashes, causing denial of service conditions that disrupt business operations, critical services, or cloud-hosted applications. In environments where uptime and availability are paramount, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and critical infrastructure operators, this could translate into operational downtime and potential financial losses. Although no known exploits are currently reported, the vulnerability could be weaponized by attackers who gain the ability to supply malicious ACPI data, for example through compromised firmware or virtualized environments. This risk is particularly relevant for organizations using Linux on diverse hardware platforms where ACPI is active. Additionally, if exploited, it could potentially be used as a stepping stone for privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution within the kernel context, although this requires further research. The vulnerability also poses a risk to embedded Linux devices common in industrial control systems and IoT deployments across Europe, which may have slower patch cycles and less rigorous security controls. Overall, the threat could affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems running vulnerable Linux kernels.

1. Immediate application of the official Linux kernel patches that address CVE-2024-49860 is the primary mitigation step. Organizations should monitor Linux kernel updates from trusted sources and apply them promptly. 2. For environments where immediate patching is challenging, implement kernel lockdown features and restrict access to ACPI sysfs interfaces to trusted users only, minimizing the attack surface. 3. Conduct firmware and BIOS updates from hardware vendors to ensure that ACPI tables conform to expected standards and do not return malformed _STR method data. 4. In virtualized environments, ensure hypervisors and virtual machine firmware are updated to prevent injection of malicious ACPI data. 5. Employ runtime kernel integrity monitoring tools that can detect abnormal kernel crashes or memory access violations indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. For embedded and IoT devices, coordinate with device manufacturers to obtain patched firmware and apply updates as soon as possible. 7. Implement comprehensive monitoring and alerting for kernel panics or unusual system behavior that could signal exploitation attempts. 8. Review and harden system configurations to limit user privileges and access to sysfs interfaces related to ACPI.