In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
maple_tree: fix mas_empty_area_rev() null pointer dereference
Currently the code calls mas_start() followed by mas_data_end() if the
maple state is MA_START, but mas_start() may return with the maple state
node == NULL. This will lead to a null pointer dereference when checking
information in the NULL node, which is done in mas_data_end().
Avoid setting the offset if there is no node by waiting until after the
maple state is checked for an empty or single entry state.
A user could trigger the events to cause a kernel oops by unmapping all
vmas to produce an empty maple tree, then mapping a vma that would cause
the scenario described above.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This Linux kernel flaw can let a local user crash the system by triggering a null pointer dereference in maple tree memory-management code. The documented impact is a kernel oops, so the business concern is availability, especially on multi-user or shared compute systems.
Executive priority
Treat as a normal-priority kernel availability fix, elevated for shared or untrusted-user environments. Patch through standard kernel maintenance unless local denial-of-service risk affects critical operations.
Technical view
CVE-2024-36891 is a null pointer dereference in mas_empty_area_rev(). mas_start() can leave the maple state node as NULL, after which mas_data_end() dereferences it. The described trigger involves emptying the VMA maple tree and mapping a VMA that reaches this state.
Likely exposure
Exposure is Linux systems running affected kernel code, especially hosts where untrusted local users, containers, or workloads can perform memory mapping activity. The supplied version data is incomplete for precise range confirmation, so validate against distribution advisories and kernel stable fixes.
Exploitation context
The source says a user could trigger a kernel oops. KEV is false, and the provided sources do not claim active exploitation, remote exploitation, privilege escalation, or code execution.
Researcher notes
Evidence supports local kernel crash potential through VMA maple tree state handling. The bundle does not provide CVSS, CWE, exploit-in-the-wild evidence, or definitive per-distribution fixed package versions.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor or distribution kernel updates containing the referenced maple_tree fix.
Reboot systems after kernel updates to ensure the fixed kernel is active.
Prioritize shared hosts, developer machines, container platforms, and multi-user Linux servers.
Check Linux distribution advisories before assuming exact affected or fixed versions.
Limit untrusted local shell access where immediate patching is delayed.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, endpoints, and container hosts.
Compare running kernels with vendor advisories and referenced stable kernel commits.
Confirm patched systems have rebooted into the updated kernel.
Review crash logs for kernel oops events involving maple_tree or mas_empty_area_rev().
Track KEV and vendor advisories for any change in exploitation status.
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.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
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CVE-2024-36891 mapping review
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