CVE-2024-53106 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Integrity Measurement Architecture (IMA) subsystem, specifically within the function ima_eventdigest_init_common. The vulnerability arises due to a buffer overrun caused by improper handling of an array index. The function ima_eventdigest_init() calls ima_eventdigest_init_common() with the parameter HASH_ALGO__LAST, which is used as an index to access the array hash_digest_size[]. Since HASH_ALGO__LAST is effectively an out-of-bounds index, this leads to a buffer overrun condition. Buffer overruns can cause memory corruption, potentially leading to system instability, crashes, or exploitation avenues such as arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation. The fix involves adding a conditional statement to handle the boundary condition properly, preventing the out-of-bounds access. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability affects the Linux kernel, which is widely used across servers, desktops, and embedded devices. The affected versions are identified by specific commit hashes, indicating that this is a recent issue resolved in the kernel source. The lack of a CVSS score suggests the vulnerability is newly disclosed, and further assessment is needed to understand exploitability and impact fully.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-53106 could be significant given the widespread use of Linux in critical infrastructure, enterprise servers, cloud environments, and embedded systems. A buffer overrun in the kernel's IMA subsystem could allow attackers to cause denial of service through system crashes or potentially escalate privileges if exploited successfully. This could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems. Organizations relying on Linux for sensitive operations, including financial institutions, government agencies, and telecommunications providers, could face operational disruptions or data breaches if the vulnerability is exploited. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability's nature means it could be targeted once exploit techniques are developed. Additionally, the IMA subsystem is involved in integrity measurement and attestation, so compromising it could undermine trust in system integrity checks, affecting compliance and security assurance.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest patched versions that include the fix for CVE-2024-53106. Since the vulnerability is in the kernel, applying vendor-supplied kernel updates or recompiling the kernel with the patch is essential. Organizations should audit their systems to identify Linux instances running affected kernel versions, including embedded devices and virtual machines. Employing kernel live patching solutions where available can reduce downtime during patch deployment. Additionally, monitoring system logs for unusual crashes or behavior related to the IMA subsystem can help detect exploitation attempts. Restricting access to systems running vulnerable kernels and enforcing strict privilege separation can limit attack surface. Finally, organizations should maintain robust incident response plans to quickly address any exploitation attempts once patches are applied.