CVE-2024-36903: ipv6: Fix potential uninit-value access in __ip6_make_skb()
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ipv6: Fix potential uninit-value access in __ip6_make_skb()
As it was done in commit fc1092f51567 ("ipv4: Fix uninit-value access in
__ip_make_skb()") for IPv4, check FLOWI_FLAG_KNOWN_NH on fl6->flowi6_flags
instead of testing HDRINCL on the socket to avoid a race condition which
causes uninit-value access.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2024-36903 is a Linux kernel IPv6 bug involving possible use of uninitialized data during packet creation. The public record does not provide a CVSS score, impact rating, or confirmed exploitation. Treat it as a kernel maintenance priority, especially for Linux systems, appliances, and products that rely on IPv6 networking.
Executive priority
Prioritize within normal kernel patch cycles unless vendor advisories identify critical exposure in your environment. Escalate for externally exposed infrastructure, managed appliances, and products where kernel update windows are infrequent.
Technical view
The fix changes __ip6_make_skb() to check FLOWI_FLAG_KNOWN_NH in fl6->flowi6_flags rather than socket HDRINCL state, avoiding a race condition that can lead to uninitialized-value access. The issue mirrors an earlier IPv4 fix. Public sources list upstream stable commits and downstream advisories, but not detailed exploit prerequisites.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most likely on Linux systems running affected kernel versions or vendor products that include those kernels. IPv6-capable servers, embedded systems, and network appliances should be inventoried. The source bundle does not prove exposure for all Linux distributions because vendor backports may change version appearances.
Exploitation context
The CVE is not marked in KEV, and the supplied sources do not cite active exploitation or public weaponization. The available evidence describes a race-condition bug and upstream fixes, not a confirmed attack path. Operational risk should be based on kernel exposure and vendor applicability.
Researcher notes
Key unknowns are severity, attack preconditions, and practical exploitability. Analysis should focus on whether local builds contain the __ip6_make_skb() fix and whether vendor kernels backported it. Avoid assuming exploitability beyond the documented uninitialized-value race condition.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor-supported kernel updates that include the upstream stable fix.
Check Debian LTS and Siemens advisories if those products apply.
Use distribution advisories rather than upstream version strings alone.
Prioritize internet-facing or appliance-like Linux systems with IPv6 enabled.
Monitor vendor guidance for severity changes or backported fixes.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, appliances, and containers hosts.
Map affected assets against vendor advisories and package changelogs.
Confirm whether installed kernels include the referenced stable commits or backports.
Verify Debian LTS or Siemens product applicability where relevant.
Record systems deferred from patching and the vendor rationale.
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
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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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CVE-2024-36903 mapping review
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