CVE-2024-35902: net/rds: fix possible cp null dereference
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net/rds: fix possible cp null dereference
cp might be null, calling cp->cp_conn would produce null dereference
[Simon Horman adds:]
Analysis:
* cp is a parameter of __rds_rdma_map and is not reassigned.
* The following call-sites pass a NULL cp argument to __rds_rdma_map()
- rds_get_mr()
- rds_get_mr_for_dest
* Prior to the code above, the following assumes that cp may be NULL
(which is indicative, but could itself be unnecessary)
trans_private = rs->rs_transport->get_mr(
sg, nents, rs, &mr->r_key, cp ? cp->cp_conn : NULL,
args->vec.addr, args->vec.bytes,
need_odp ? ODP_ZEROBASED : ODP_NOT_NEEDED);
* The code modified by this patch is guarded by IS_ERR(trans_private),
where trans_private is assigned as per the previous point in this analysis.
The only implementation of get_mr that I could locate is rds_ib_get_mr()
which can return an ERR_PTR if the conn (4th) argument is NULL.
* ret is set to PTR_ERR(trans_private).
rds_ib_get_mr can return ERR_PTR(-ENODEV) if the conn (4th) argument is NULL.
Thus ret may be -ENODEV in which case the code in question will execute.
Conclusion:
* cp may be NULL at the point where this patch adds a check;
this patch does seem to address a possible bug
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This Linux kernel issue fixes a possible crash in the RDS networking code when a connection pointer is unexpectedly null. The public record does not provide CVSS, CWE, or confirmed impact details. Treat it as an availability-oriented kernel maintenance risk, especially on systems using RDS or RDMA-related functionality.
Executive priority
Handle through normal kernel patch governance, with higher priority for Linux infrastructure using RDS/RDMA or covered by Debian or Siemens advisories. There is no provided evidence of active exploitation, but kernel crash risks can still affect availability-sensitive systems.
Technical view
The flaw is in net/rds within __rds_rdma_map(). Some call sites can pass a null cp argument, and later error handling could dereference cp->cp_conn. The kernel stable commits add a null check around that path. The record links fixes across supported stable branches.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most relevant to Linux systems with affected kernel builds and RDS/RDMA code paths available. The source bundle lists Linux kernel affected version data and stable commits, but does not prove which distributions or appliances are vulnerable beyond linked Debian and Siemens references.
Exploitation context
The bundle does not cite active exploitation, and KEV is false. It describes a possible null pointer dereference, not a public exploit. Without additional vendor analysis, practical reachability and required privileges are not established in the provided sources.
Researcher notes
Key evidence is the kernel analysis showing cp can be null at __rds_rdma_map() and may be dereferenced during error handling. The record lacks CVSS, CWE, exploitability details, and privilege requirements, so conclusions should remain limited to the documented null dereference fix.
Mitigation direction
Apply kernel updates from the relevant Linux distribution or vendor advisory.
Review Debian LTS and Siemens advisories if those environments apply.
Prioritize systems using RDS, RDMA, or InfiniBand-related workloads.
If patching is delayed, check vendor guidance for supported temporary controls.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers and appliances.
Compare installed kernels with vendor advisories and stable fix references.
Identify whether RDS/RDMA-related modules or workloads are present.
Confirm patched kernels are running after maintenance reboots.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
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CVE-2024-35902 mapping review
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