CVE-2024-50215 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the nvmet-auth subsystem, which handles authentication for NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF) targets. The issue arises from improper handling of the Diffie-Hellman key (dh_key) pointer in the nvmet_auth code. The vulnerability occurs because the dh_key pointer is assigned to NULL only after being freed in the error path, but it may be used across multiple calls to nvmet_setup_dhgroup() for the same controller. Without nullifying the pointer immediately after freeing, there is a risk of a double-free condition when nvmet_destroy_auth() is called later. A double-free vulnerability can lead to undefined behavior, including memory corruption, which attackers might exploit to cause denial of service (system crashes) or potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The flaw was discovered by the Linux Verification Center using static analysis tools (Svace) and has been addressed by ensuring the dh_key pointer is set to NULL immediately after kfree_sensitive() is called, preventing reuse of a freed pointer. This vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions identified by the commit hash 7a277c37d3522e9b2777d762bbbcecafae2b1f8d and likely other versions containing the same nvmet-auth code. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-50215 depends largely on their use of Linux systems as NVMe over Fabrics targets, which are common in high-performance computing, data centers, and enterprise storage environments. Exploitation could allow attackers to cause kernel crashes or potentially escalate privileges, leading to system downtime or unauthorized control over critical infrastructure. This can disrupt business operations, especially for organizations relying on Linux-based storage servers or virtualization hosts. Confidentiality and integrity of data could be at risk if attackers leverage the vulnerability to execute arbitrary code. Given the kernel-level nature of the flaw, successful exploitation could compromise entire systems, affecting availability and trustworthiness of IT services. Although no active exploits are known, the vulnerability's presence in widely deployed Linux kernels means that unpatched systems remain at risk, particularly in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and government services across Europe.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernels to versions that include the patch for CVE-2024-50215. Specifically, they should apply the commit that nullifies the dh_key pointer immediately after freeing it in the nvmet-auth code. System administrators should audit their environments to identify Linux hosts acting as NVMe-oF targets and verify kernel versions. In environments where immediate patching is not feasible, organizations can consider disabling NVMe over Fabrics target functionality if not required, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, monitoring kernel logs for unusual memory management errors or crashes related to nvmet-auth can help detect attempted exploitation. Employing kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and Control Flow Integrity (CFI) can further mitigate exploitation risks. Regular vulnerability scanning and integration of Linux kernel updates into patch management workflows are essential to maintain security posture.