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CVE Record

CVE-2024-41045: bpf: Defer work in bpf_timer_cancel_and_free

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Defer work in bpf_timer_cancel_and_free Currently, the same case as previous patch (two timer callbacks trying to cancel each other) can be invoked through bpf_map_update_elem as well, or more precisely, freeing map elements containing timers. Since this relies on hrtimer_cancel as well, it is prone to the same deadlock situation as the previous patch. It would be sufficient to use hrtimer_try_to_cancel to fix this problem, as the timer cannot be enqueued after async_cancel_and_free. Once async_cancel_and_free has been done, the timer must be reinitialized before it can be armed again. The callback running in parallel trying to arm the timer will fail, and freeing bpf_hrtimer without waiting is sufficient (given kfree_rcu), and bpf_timer_cb will return HRTIMER_NORESTART, preventing the timer from being rearmed again. However, there exists a UAF scenario where the callback arms the timer before entering this function, such that if cancellation fails (due to timer callback invoking this routine, or the target timer callback running concurrently). In such a case, if the timer expiration is significantly far in the future, the RCU grace period expiration happening before it will free the bpf_hrtimer state and along with it the struct hrtimer, that is enqueued. Hence, it is clear cancellation needs to occur after async_cancel_and_free, and yet it cannot be done inline due to deadlock issues. We thus modify bpf_timer_cancel_and_free to defer work to the global workqueue, adding a work_struct alongside rcu_head (both used at _different_ points of time, so can share space). Update existing code comments to reflect the new state of affairs.

HighCVSS 7.8Not KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

A flaw in Linux BPF timer cleanup can cause a deadlock or use-after-free when timers and map elements are cancelled concurrently. A local user with sufficient BPF access could potentially crash the system or compromise confidentiality and integrity. Network access alone is not sufficient according to the CVSS vector.

Executive priority

Treat as a high-priority kernel update, especially on multi-user systems where untrusted local users may access BPF functionality. The absence of supported active-exploitation evidence lowers emergency urgency, but the potential confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact warrants prompt remediation.

Technical view

A race in bpf_timer_cancel_and_free can occur while freeing BPF map elements containing timers. Inline hrtimer cancellation may deadlock, while failed cancellation can leave an enqueued timer referencing bpf_hrtimer state freed after an RCU grace period. The kernel fix defers cancellation work to the global workqueue.

Likely exposure

Exposure is limited to Linux systems running affected kernel builds where a local actor can exercise relevant BPF timer and map functionality. The supplied version data names 5.15, 6.9.10, and 6.10 but is not sufficiently clear to determine every affected distribution package.

Exploitation context

The CVSS 3.1 score is 7.8 with a local, low-complexity, low-privilege vector and no user interaction. The supplied record says this CVE is not in KEV, and no cited source establishes active exploitation or a public exploit.

Researcher notes

The vulnerable lifecycle combines asynchronous cancellation, hrtimer state, RCU-delayed freeing, and concurrent callbacks. The source explains both deadlock and use-after-free paths. Distribution backports may make release-number checks unreliable; confirm patch provenance rather than relying only on the displayed kernel version.

Mitigation direction

  • Install a vendor-supported kernel containing the referenced fix or an equivalent backport.
  • Check distribution security guidance because the supplied affected-version data is incomplete and ambiguous.
  • Activate the updated kernel using the distribution's documented procedure.

Validation and detection

  • Record the running kernel release and distribution package version.
  • Check the package against the distribution's CVE-2024-41045 advisory or tracker.
  • Verify the kernel includes either referenced fix or a documented equivalent backport.
  • Confirm the remediated kernel is running after maintenance.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
4

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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CVE-2024-41045 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
7.8 (3.1)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

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.

1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
2ADP providers
3Source links

SSVC decision data

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

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
7.8CVSS 3.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H1.85.9Linux

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

7.8High
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2024-41045Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

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

CVECVE Program Container
CISA-ADPCISA ADP Vulnrichment
other:ssvc
Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinuxb00628b1c7d595ae5b544e059c27b1f5828314b4, b00628b1c7d595ae5b544e059c27b1f5828314b4unaffected
LinuxLinux5.15, 0, 6.9.10, 6.10affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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