CVE-2024-50272 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's filemap_read() function, which is responsible for reading file data into memory. The issue arises due to improper bounds checking when the caller provides an iocb->ki_pos value (the file position indicator) that is near the filesystem's upper limit. If an iterator count causes an overflow beyond this limit, filemap_read() can enter an infinite loop. This infinite loop condition was discovered during testing with xfstests generic/525 using the "localio" optimization for loopback NFS mounts. Essentially, the vulnerability is a logic error in the kernel's file read path that can cause the system to hang or become unresponsive when processing certain file read requests that push the file position close to the maximum allowed by the filesystem. The affected Linux kernel versions include several commits identified by their hashes, indicating that multiple recent versions are impacted. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability does not appear to allow direct code execution or privilege escalation but can cause a denial of service (DoS) by triggering an infinite loop in kernel space, potentially freezing the system or causing resource exhaustion. This issue is particularly relevant for systems using NFS with loopback mounts and the localio optimization, but it may affect other configurations where file reads approach filesystem limits.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-50272 is the potential for denial of service on Linux-based systems, especially those running network file systems (NFS) with loopback mounts or similar configurations. This could disrupt critical services relying on Linux servers, including file servers, application servers, and infrastructure components. Enterprises with large-scale Linux deployments, cloud providers, and data centers in Europe could experience system hangs or crashes, leading to downtime and operational disruption. The infinite loop could also be exploited by malicious insiders or attackers with the ability to submit crafted file read requests, causing service degradation or outages. While this vulnerability does not directly compromise data confidentiality or integrity, the availability impact could affect business continuity, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing where Linux servers are prevalent. Additionally, organizations using automated testing or continuous integration pipelines that involve filesystem stress tests might encounter failures or hangs. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the presence of the vulnerability in widely used Linux kernels means European organizations should prioritize patching to avoid potential exploitation or accidental triggering.

To mitigate CVE-2024-50272, European organizations should: 1) Apply the latest Linux kernel patches as soon as they are released by their distribution vendors, ensuring the fix for filemap_read() bounds checking is included. 2) Review and, if possible, disable or avoid using the "localio" optimization for loopback NFS mounts until patches are applied, as this configuration was specifically noted in the discovery of the issue. 3) Implement monitoring and alerting for unusual system hangs or high CPU usage on Linux servers, which could indicate triggering of the infinite loop. 4) Conduct internal testing of file read operations near filesystem limits in controlled environments to understand exposure and validate patch effectiveness. 5) Limit access to systems and interfaces that allow submission of file read requests with arbitrary positions, reducing the risk of malicious triggering. 6) Maintain updated inventories of Linux kernel versions in use across the organization to prioritize patch deployment. 7) Coordinate with Linux distribution security advisories and subscribe to relevant mailing lists for timely updates. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific conditions that trigger the vulnerability and the configurations most affected.