CVE-2024-50076 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically related to the virtual terminal (vt) subsystem's font handling function con_font_get(). The issue arises because the font.data structure may not fully initialize all allocated memory spaces depending on the implementation of vc->vc_sw->con_font_get. This incomplete initialization can lead to an information leak, where residual kernel memory contents might be exposed unintentionally. The vulnerability is rooted in the failure to zero out allocated memory, which is a common best practice to prevent leakage of sensitive data. The fix involves modifying the con_font_get function to ensure that all allocated memory is zero-initialized, thereby preventing any kernel memory from being inadvertently disclosed. This change is reported to have minimal impact on system performance. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel identified by the same commit hash, indicating a specific code state before the patch. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability primarily impacts confidentiality by potentially exposing kernel memory contents, which could include sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other critical data residing in kernel space. The exploitation requires access to the virtual terminal subsystem, which is typically accessible to local users or processes with certain privileges, but does not necessarily require elevated privileges if the terminal device is accessible. No user interaction is explicitly required beyond triggering the vulnerable code path. The scope is limited to systems running affected Linux kernel versions with the vulnerable vt implementation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-50076 could be significant in environments where Linux servers or workstations are used extensively, especially those relying on virtual terminals or console access. The information leak could allow attackers or malicious insiders to glean sensitive kernel memory data, potentially leading to further privilege escalation or exposure of confidential information. This risk is particularly relevant for sectors handling sensitive data such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. Since Linux is widely deployed across European enterprises, cloud providers, and public sector institutions, the vulnerability could affect a broad range of systems. However, the lack of known exploits and the requirement for local access somewhat limit the immediate threat level. Nonetheless, the vulnerability could be leveraged in multi-stage attacks or combined with other vulnerabilities to compromise system integrity or confidentiality. Organizations using Linux distributions that incorporate the affected kernel versions should consider the risk in their threat models, especially those with multi-tenant environments or shared access systems where untrusted users might gain terminal access.

To mitigate CVE-2024-50076, European organizations should prioritize applying the official Linux kernel patches that zero-initialize the font.data memory in the con_font_get function. Kernel updates should be tested and deployed promptly in production and development environments. For systems where immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should restrict access to virtual terminals and console devices to trusted users only, employing strict access controls and monitoring. Disabling unused virtual terminal interfaces or limiting terminal access via system configuration can reduce the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should implement kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and enforce least privilege principles to minimize the impact of potential information leaks. Regular auditing and monitoring for unusual terminal access or suspicious activity can help detect exploitation attempts. Finally, maintaining up-to-date inventories of Linux kernel versions in use will assist in identifying vulnerable systems quickly.