CVE-2024-56662 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's ACPI NFIT (NVDIMM Firmware Interface Table) driver, specifically within the function acpi_nfit_ctl. The issue arises due to an out-of-bounds read caused by improper validation of a buffer's size before accessing its members. The vulnerable code accesses the call_pkg->nd_reserved2 array without confirming that the call_pkg pointer references a buffer sufficiently large to be interpreted as a struct nd_cmd_pkg. This lack of boundary checking can lead to reading memory beyond the allocated buffer, resulting in undefined behavior. The vulnerability was detected by syzbot using Kernel Address Sanitizer (KASAN), which flagged a vmalloc-out-of-bounds read in the affected function. The fix implemented involves adding a check to ensure that the buffer pointer is not NULL and that the buffer length is at least the size of the expected struct before accessing its members. This prevents out-of-bounds memory access and mitigates the risk of potential kernel crashes or information leakage. Since this vulnerability affects the Linux kernel, it potentially impacts a wide range of Linux-based systems, including servers, desktops, and embedded devices that utilize the affected kernel versions. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but involves kernel-level code, which typically requires local or privileged access to exploit. 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-2024-56662 could be significant depending on the deployment of affected Linux kernel versions within their infrastructure. The vulnerability could lead to kernel crashes (denial of service) or potentially enable information disclosure through out-of-bounds reads, which might be leveraged by attackers to gain insights into kernel memory layout or sensitive data. Organizations running critical services on Linux servers, including cloud providers, financial institutions, and government agencies, could face service disruptions or data confidentiality risks if the vulnerability is exploited. Although exploitation requires local or privileged access, attackers who gain such access (e.g., through other vulnerabilities or insider threats) could leverage this flaw to escalate their capabilities or destabilize systems. Given the widespread use of Linux in European data centers, telecommunications, and industrial control systems, the vulnerability poses a moderate risk that should be addressed promptly to maintain system integrity and availability.

1. Immediate application of the official Linux kernel patches that address CVE-2024-56662 is the most effective mitigation. Organizations should track kernel updates from their Linux distribution vendors and apply security updates without delay. 2. For environments where immediate patching is challenging, implement strict access controls to limit local or privileged access to trusted users only, reducing the risk of exploitation. 3. Employ kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and enable kernel memory protection features to make exploitation more difficult. 4. Monitor system logs and kernel crash reports for signs of abnormal behavior or crashes related to ACPI NFIT driver activity. 5. Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focusing on privilege escalation and kernel vulnerabilities to detect potential exploitation attempts. 6. For critical systems, consider using kernel live patching solutions that allow applying security patches without rebooting, minimizing downtime.