CVE-2024-50210 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's POSIX clock subsystem, specifically within the function pc_clock_settime(). The issue arises from unbalanced locking due to improper handling of error paths after acquiring a read lock on the clock's rwsem (read-write semaphore) and incrementing the file descriptor's reference count via fget(). When get_clock_desc() succeeds, it obtains a read lock and increments the reference count for the clockid's file descriptor. However, if an error occurs subsequently, the code fails to release the acquired lock and decrement the reference count appropriately, leading to unbalanced locking and resource leaks. The fix involves validating the timespec64 structure strictly before calling get_clock_desc(), ensuring that the error path correctly releases the lock and reference count, thus maintaining lock balance and preventing resource exhaustion. This vulnerability is rooted in kernel synchronization primitives and resource management, which can cause system instability or denial of service if exploited. The affected Linux kernel versions are identified by specific commit hashes, indicating that multiple recent versions prior to the patch are vulnerable. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-50210 primarily concerns system stability and availability. Since the vulnerability involves unbalanced locking and resource management in the kernel, exploitation could lead to deadlocks or resource exhaustion, causing denial of service conditions on affected Linux systems. This is particularly critical for servers and infrastructure running Linux kernels with the vulnerable versions, including cloud environments, data centers, and embedded systems. Confidentiality and integrity impacts are less likely unless the denial of service is leveraged as part of a broader attack chain. Organizations relying on Linux for critical services, such as telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and government infrastructure, could experience service disruptions. Given Linux's widespread use in Europe across various sectors, the vulnerability poses a moderate risk to operational continuity if unpatched. However, the absence of known exploits and the requirement for specific kernel versions reduce immediate threat levels.

European organizations should promptly identify Linux systems running vulnerable kernel versions by matching the provided commit hashes or kernel release dates. Applying the official Linux kernel patches that fix the unbalanced locking in pc_clock_settime() is the primary mitigation. For environments where immediate patching is challenging, organizations should monitor system logs for signs of deadlocks or resource exhaustion related to POSIX clock operations. Implementing kernel live patching solutions where available can reduce downtime. Additionally, restricting untrusted user access to systems and minimizing the use of privileged operations that invoke pc_clock_settime() can reduce exploitation risk. System administrators should also ensure robust monitoring and alerting for kernel-level anomalies and maintain up-to-date backups to recover from potential denial of service incidents. Coordination with Linux distribution vendors for timely patch deployment is essential.