CVE-2024-57938 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's SCTP (Stream Control Transmission Protocol) implementation, specifically within the function sctp_association_init(). The issue arises due to an integer overflow triggered by improper handling of the net.sctp.max_autoclose parameter. By default, max_autoclose is set to INT_MAX divided by HZ (the kernel's timer frequency), which prevents overflow. However, if an administrator or attacker sets net.sctp.max_autoclose to UINT_MAX (the maximum unsigned integer value), the calculation within sctp_association_init() can overflow. This integer overflow can lead to incorrect memory allocation or logic errors during SCTP association initialization, potentially causing kernel instability, denial of service (system crash), or other unpredictable behavior. The vulnerability is rooted in the kernel's networking stack, affecting SCTP, a transport layer protocol used for message-oriented communication, often in telecom and signaling applications. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and the vulnerability was published on January 21, 2025. The affected Linux versions are identified by a specific commit hash, indicating the issue is present in certain kernel builds prior to patching. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no patches or exploit indicators are currently linked in the provided data.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-57938 depends largely on their use of Linux systems that utilize SCTP, particularly in telecom infrastructure, signaling systems, or specialized network applications. Organizations operating telecom networks, critical infrastructure, or industrial control systems that rely on SCTP may face risks of service disruption or denial of service if this vulnerability is exploited. The integer overflow could lead to kernel crashes or unexpected behavior, resulting in downtime or degraded service availability. Confidentiality and integrity impacts are less direct but could arise if the instability is leveraged as part of a broader attack chain. Given the Linux kernel's widespread use across servers, embedded devices, and network appliances in Europe, the vulnerability could affect a broad range of systems if the vulnerable SCTP configuration is present and max_autoclose is set improperly. However, exploitation requires the ability to influence kernel parameters or SCTP traffic, which may limit the attack surface to privileged users or network-based attackers with access to SCTP endpoints.

European organizations should immediately audit their Linux systems to identify the use of SCTP and check the current value of the net.sctp.max_autoclose parameter. It is critical to ensure that max_autoclose is not set to UINT_MAX or any value that could cause integer overflow. Systems should be updated to the latest Linux kernel versions where this vulnerability is patched. Network administrators should restrict access to kernel parameter modification to trusted administrators only and monitor SCTP traffic for anomalies. For telecom and critical infrastructure operators, deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify abnormal SCTP behavior is advisable. Additionally, organizations should implement robust kernel hardening and monitoring to detect crashes or instability that could indicate exploitation attempts. Since no known exploits are in the wild, proactive patching and configuration management remain the best defense.