CVE-2024-49975 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel related to the uprobes subsystem, which is used for dynamic tracing and debugging. The issue arises from the function xol_add_vma(), which maps an uninitialized page allocated by __create_xol_area() into userspace. On certain architectures, specifically x86, this memory page is readable even without the VM_READ permission. Additionally, VM_EXEC permission results in the same page protection flags as VM_EXEC combined with VM_READ, effectively allowing debuggers or other userspace processes to read kernel memory that should not be accessible. This results in a kernel information leak, where sensitive kernel memory contents could be exposed to unprivileged userspace processes. The vulnerability is rooted in improper initialization and permission handling of memory pages mapped for uprobes, leading to unintended information disclosure. Although the vulnerability does not allow direct code execution or privilege escalation, leaking kernel memory can aid attackers in bypassing kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR) and other security mechanisms, facilitating further exploitation. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel identified by the commit hash d4b3b6384f98f8692ad0209891ccdbc7e78bbefe and was published on October 21, 2024. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily in environments where Linux kernels with the affected versions are deployed, especially in servers, cloud infrastructure, and development environments that utilize uprobes for debugging or tracing. The information leak could allow attackers to gain insights into kernel memory layout and potentially sensitive kernel data, which can be leveraged to bypass security features like KASLR. This increases the risk of subsequent privilege escalation or kernel-level attacks. Organizations relying on Linux-based systems for critical infrastructure, financial services, telecommunications, and government services could see an increased threat surface. While the vulnerability itself does not directly lead to system compromise, the information disclosure can be a stepping stone for more severe attacks. The impact is heightened in multi-tenant cloud environments common in Europe, where attackers might exploit this to gain information about co-resident virtual machines or containers. Additionally, the vulnerability could affect embedded Linux devices used in industrial control systems and IoT deployments across Europe, potentially exposing critical infrastructure to reconnaissance by threat actors.

To mitigate CVE-2024-49975, European organizations should prioritize applying the official Linux kernel patches that address the uprobes memory mapping issue as soon as they become available. Until patches are applied, organizations should consider disabling uprobes or restricting its usage to trusted users and processes only. System administrators should audit and monitor the use of uprobes and related debugging tools to detect any unauthorized or suspicious activity. Employing kernel hardening techniques such as enabling kernel lockdown mode, restricting access to /dev/mem and /proc interfaces, and using SELinux or AppArmor policies to limit debugging capabilities can reduce exposure. Additionally, organizations should ensure that their Linux distributions are regularly updated and that security advisories are promptly reviewed. For cloud providers and multi-tenant environments, isolating workloads and enforcing strict access controls can help minimize the risk of information leakage between tenants. Finally, conducting internal penetration testing and memory analysis can help identify if any sensitive kernel information has been exposed prior to patching.