CVE-2024-50013 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's exFAT filesystem driver, specifically within the function exfat_load_bitmap(). The flaw arises when the first directory entry in the root directory is not a bitmap directory entry. Under these conditions, the buffer head ('bh') used to manage filesystem metadata is not properly released and reassigned, resulting in a memory leak. This memory leak occurs because the code fails to free allocated resources when encountering unexpected directory entry types, causing the kernel to retain memory unnecessarily. While this does not directly lead to code execution or privilege escalation, the leak can degrade system stability over time, especially on systems that frequently mount or interact with exFAT filesystems. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions identified by the commit hash 1e49a94cf707204b66a3fb242f2814712c941f52 and possibly others in the same release cycle. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The issue has been resolved by correcting the resource management logic in the exfat_load_bitmap() function to ensure proper release of the buffer head regardless of directory entry type.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-50013 is primarily related to system reliability and availability rather than direct security compromise. Organizations using Linux systems that mount exFAT filesystems—commonly used in removable storage devices such as USB drives and SD cards—may experience gradual memory consumption increases leading to potential system slowdowns or crashes if the vulnerability is triggered repeatedly. This can affect critical infrastructure, servers, or workstations that rely on stable Linux environments. While the vulnerability does not appear to enable unauthorized access or data corruption, the memory leak could be exploited in a denial-of-service (DoS) scenario by an attacker with local access who can repeatedly mount crafted exFAT filesystems. This risk is more pronounced in environments where removable media are frequently used or where untrusted devices are connected. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is minimal; however, availability could be compromised if the leak leads to resource exhaustion.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest patched version that includes the fix for CVE-2024-50013. Kernel updates should be applied promptly, especially on systems that handle exFAT filesystems regularly. Additionally, organizations should implement strict policies controlling the use of removable media, including scanning and validating devices before mounting. Employing filesystem integrity monitoring and resource usage alerts can help detect abnormal memory consumption patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. For environments where kernel updates are delayed, consider disabling exFAT support if it is not essential, or restrict mounting of exFAT filesystems to trusted users only. Regularly auditing kernel logs and system performance metrics can also aid in early detection of potential memory leaks or related stability issues.