CVE-2024-50153 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's SCSI target core module (target_core_mod). The issue arises in the function target_alloc_device(), which is responsible for allocating and initializing device structures for SCSI targets. Specifically, when memory allocation for device queues fails, the code attempts to free the partially allocated device structure by calling dev->transport->free_device(). However, at this point in execution, the dev->transport pointer has not yet been initialized, leading to a null pointer dereference (null-ptr-deref). This results in a kernel crash or panic, as detected by Kernel Address Sanitizer (KASAN). The root cause is improper handling of error conditions during device allocation, where the cleanup code references an uninitialized pointer. The fix involves changing the cleanup routine to use hba->backend->ops->free_device() instead, which is a valid and initialized pointer at the time of failure, thus preventing the null pointer dereference. This vulnerability affects certain versions of the Linux kernel as identified by specific commit hashes. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date (November 7, 2024). The vulnerability is a denial-of-service (DoS) type, as it causes a kernel crash, impacting system availability. It does not appear to allow privilege escalation or code execution directly. The flaw is triggered by failure in memory allocation during device queue setup, which could be induced by resource exhaustion or crafted inputs in environments where SCSI target functionality is used.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-50153 primarily concerns systems running Linux kernels with SCSI target support enabled, such as storage servers, SAN gateways, or virtualization hosts that expose SCSI targets. A successful trigger of this vulnerability results in a kernel panic and system crash, causing denial of service. This can disrupt critical storage infrastructure, leading to downtime, data unavailability, and potential operational losses. Organizations relying on Linux-based storage solutions or virtualization platforms with target_core_mod enabled are at risk. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, the availability impact can be significant, especially in data centers or cloud environments supporting business-critical applications. European enterprises in finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and public sectors that operate Linux storage or virtualization infrastructure could face service interruptions. Additionally, the lack of known exploits suggests limited immediate threat, but the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks or combined with other exploits to amplify impact. The risk is heightened in environments where memory pressure or resource exhaustion can be induced by attackers or faulty workloads.

1. Apply the official Linux kernel patches that fix CVE-2024-50153 as soon as they become available from trusted sources or Linux distribution vendors. 2. For organizations unable to immediately patch, consider disabling SCSI target functionality (target_core_mod) if it is not required, to eliminate the attack surface. 3. Monitor kernel logs and system stability for signs of null pointer dereference crashes related to target_alloc_device(). 4. Implement resource management controls to prevent memory exhaustion scenarios that could trigger the vulnerability, such as cgroup limits or memory quotas on relevant hosts. 5. Use kernel hardening features and runtime protections like KASAN in testing environments to detect similar issues proactively. 6. Maintain strict access controls and network segmentation around storage and virtualization hosts to limit exposure to untrusted users who might attempt to exploit this flaw. 7. Regularly update Linux kernel versions and subscribe to security advisories from Linux vendors and communities to stay informed about patches and related vulnerabilities.