CVE-2024-57911 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Industrial I/O (IIO) subsystem, specifically within the dummy driver component (iio_simply_dummy_buffer). The issue arises from improper memory initialization when allocating the 'data' array via kmalloc() for pushing sensor data from a triggered buffer to user space. The vulnerability stems from the fact that only active channels are assigned values using iio_for_each_active_channel(), leaving inactive channels uninitialized. Consequently, uninitialized kernel memory may be inadvertently exposed to user space, resulting in an information leak. The root cause is the use of kmalloc(), which does not zero-initialize memory, instead of kzalloc(), which would allocate zeroed memory and prevent leakage of residual kernel data. This flaw could allow a local user or process with access to the affected IIO device to read sensitive kernel memory contents, potentially exposing confidential information. The vulnerability has been addressed by switching to kzalloc() for memory allocation, ensuring that all buffer data, including inactive channels, is zeroed before being passed to user space. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and the vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions identified by the commit hashes provided. No CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-57911 primarily concerns confidentiality breaches within systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions that utilize the IIO subsystem, especially those employing the dummy driver or similar triggered buffer mechanisms. Industrial control systems, embedded devices, or IoT devices running Linux kernels with this vulnerability could leak sensitive kernel memory data to unprivileged users or processes, potentially exposing cryptographic keys, credentials, or other sensitive information residing in kernel memory. While the vulnerability does not directly allow privilege escalation or remote code execution, the information leak could facilitate further attacks by providing attackers with valuable insights into the system's internal state. Organizations in sectors such as manufacturing, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, and technology development that rely on Linux-based embedded systems or sensor data processing may be at higher risk. The vulnerability requires local access to the device, limiting the attack surface to insiders or compromised local accounts. However, given the widespread use of Linux in European IT infrastructure and embedded systems, the risk of information leakage and subsequent exploitation is non-negligible.

European organizations should promptly update their Linux kernel to the patched version that replaces kmalloc() with kzalloc() in the affected IIO dummy driver code to ensure zero-initialization of memory buffers. For systems where immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should restrict access to IIO devices and related interfaces to trusted users only, employing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual activity. Additionally, auditing and hardening local user privileges can reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also review their embedded and IoT device inventories to identify those running vulnerable kernel versions and coordinate with vendors for firmware updates. Implementing kernel integrity monitoring and memory protection mechanisms can help detect attempts to exploit information leaks. Finally, maintaining up-to-date system and kernel logs and integrating them into security information and event management (SIEM) systems can assist in early detection of suspicious behavior related to this vulnerability.