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CVE Record

CVE-2024-27021: r8169: fix LED-related deadlock on module removal

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: r8169: fix LED-related deadlock on module removal Binding devm_led_classdev_register() to the netdev is problematic because on module removal we get a RTNL-related deadlock. Fix this by avoiding the device-managed LED functions. Note: We can safely call led_classdev_unregister() for a LED even if registering it failed, because led_classdev_unregister() detects this and is a no-op in this case.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysislow

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This is a Linux kernel reliability vulnerability in the Realtek r8169 network driver. A bug in LED cleanup can deadlock the system when the driver module is removed. The main business risk is disruption during driver unload, maintenance, or kernel/module changes on affected hosts, not confirmed remote compromise.

Executive priority

Treat as routine patch management unless affected systems are operationally sensitive or frequently reload network drivers. Prioritize servers where a kernel deadlock would cause downtime during maintenance.

Technical view

The r8169 driver used device-managed LED registration tied to the network device. During module removal, that cleanup path can create an RTNL-related deadlock. The kernel fix avoids device-managed LED functions and explicitly unregisters LED class devices safely.

Likely exposure

Exposure is likely limited to Linux systems running affected kernel builds with the r8169 Realtek Ethernet driver present. The source bundle lists Linux 6.8-era affected versions and references stable kernel fixes and Fedora kernel announcements.

Exploitation context

The bundle does not show active exploitation, and KEV is false. The described trigger is module removal, suggesting local operational or maintenance conditions rather than internet-facing attack exposure. No CVSS score or CWE is provided.

Researcher notes

Evidence supports a deadlock bug fixed in Linux stable commits, but the bundle lacks CVSS, detailed version ranges, exploitability analysis, and broad vendor coverage. Avoid assuming remote exploitability or privilege escalation from the provided data.

Mitigation direction

  • Update to a vendor kernel containing the referenced stable r8169 fixes.
  • Apply relevant distribution kernel advisories, including Fedora updates where applicable.
  • Avoid unnecessary r8169 module unload or reload operations until patched.
  • Check vendor guidance if using custom or backported kernels.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernel versions against vendor fixed-package status.
  • Identify hosts using the r8169 driver for Realtek Ethernet devices.
  • Confirm kernel source or changelog includes the referenced stable commits.
  • Review maintenance logs for hangs during r8169 unload or network driver changes.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
7

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

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CVE-2024-27021 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
2ADP providers
6Source links

SSVC decision data

CISA-ADPCISA Coordinator
Timestamp
Version
2.0.3
Exploitation: noneAutomatable: noTechnical Impact: partial

Vulnerability timeline

Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.

  1. CVE reservedCVE Program

    The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.

  2. CVE publishedCVE Program

    The CVE record was published.

  3. CVE updatedCVE Program

    The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.

ADP provider summaries

CISA-ADPCISA ADP Vulnrichment
other:ssvc
CVECVE Program Container

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux18764b883e157e28126b54e7d4ba9dd487d5bf54, 18764b883e157e28126b54e7d4ba9dd487d5bf54unaffected
LinuxLinux6.8, 0, 6.8.8, 6.9affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.