CVE-2024-42096: x86: stop playing stack games in profile_pc()
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
x86: stop playing stack games in profile_pc()
The 'profile_pc()' function is used for timer-based profiling, which
isn't really all that relevant any more to begin with, but it also ends
up making assumptions based on the stack layout that aren't necessarily
valid.
Basically, the code tries to account the time spent in spinlocks to the
caller rather than the spinlock, and while I support that as a concept,
it's not worth the code complexity or the KASAN warnings when no serious
profiling is done using timers anyway these days.
And the code really does depend on stack layout that is only true in the
simplest of cases. We've lost the comment at some point (I think when
the 32-bit and 64-bit code was unified), but it used to say:
Assume the lock function has either no stack frame or a copy
of eflags from PUSHF.
which explains why it just blindly loads a word or two straight off the
stack pointer and then takes a minimal look at the values to just check
if they might be eflags or the return pc:
Eflags always has bits 22 and up cleared unlike kernel addresses
but that basic stack layout assumption assumes that there isn't any lock
debugging etc going on that would complicate the code and cause a stack
frame.
It causes KASAN unhappiness reported for years by syzkaller [1] and
others [2].
With no real practical reason for this any more, just remove the code.
Just for historical interest, here's some background commits relating to
this code from 2006:
0cb91a229364 ("i386: Account spinlocks to the caller during profiling for !FP kernels")
31679f38d886 ("Simplify profile_pc on x86-64")
and a code unification from 2009:
ef4512882dbe ("x86: time_32/64.c unify profile_pc")
but the basics of this thing actually goes back to before the git tree.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2024-42096 is a Linux kernel issue in x86 timer profiling code. The vulnerable code made unsafe assumptions about stack layout, causing KASAN warnings reported by syzkaller. Sources do not provide CVSS, confirmed exploitability, or business impact, so urgency depends on kernel exposure and vendor package status.
Executive priority
Track and patch through normal kernel update governance. Escalate only for high-value, multi-tenant, or vendor-confirmed affected appliances because sources do not show exploitation or severity scoring.
Technical view
The Linux x86 profile_pc() routine tried to attribute spinlock profiling time to callers by reading stack values based on fragile layout assumptions. Kernel maintainers removed that code because lock debugging and other frames can invalidate those assumptions. The fix is represented by multiple stable kernel commits.
Likely exposure
Exposure is likely limited to systems running affected Linux kernel versions on x86 where the vulnerable profile_pc() implementation is present. Appliances using embedded Linux may also be affected if vendor advisories list their products.
Exploitation context
The bundle cites KASAN findings and syzkaller reports, but does not cite active exploitation, public weaponization, KEV listing, or a practical attack path. Treat this as an unresolved kernel maintenance exposure until vendor guidance clarifies impact.
Researcher notes
Evidence supports a kernel x86 stack-layout bug fixed by removing profile_pc() logic. Missing evidence includes CVSS, CWE, precise exploit impact, and confirmed attack preconditions. Do not infer remote exploitability from the available sources.
Mitigation direction
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, endpoints, containers hosts, and appliances.
Apply fixed kernel updates from your OS or device vendor.
Review Debian LTS and Siemens advisories if those platforms are in use.
Prioritize internet-facing or multi-tenant Linux hosts for patch scheduling.
Check vendor guidance where no packaged fix is yet available.
Validation and detection
Confirm each asset's running kernel version and architecture.
Map versions against the CVE record and vendor advisories.
Verify installed kernel packages include the relevant stable fixes.
Reboot systems where required so the fixed kernel is active.
Document exceptions for appliances awaiting vendor firmware updates.
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-2024-42096 mapping review
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