CVE-2024-42296: f2fs: fix return value of f2fs_convert_inline_inode()
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
f2fs: fix return value of f2fs_convert_inline_inode()
If device is readonly, make f2fs_convert_inline_inode()
return EROFS instead of zero, otherwise it may trigger
panic during writeback of inline inode's dirty page as
below:
f2fs_write_single_data_page+0xbb6/0x1e90 fs/f2fs/data.c:2888
f2fs_write_cache_pages fs/f2fs/data.c:3187 [inline]
__f2fs_write_data_pages fs/f2fs/data.c:3342 [inline]
f2fs_write_data_pages+0x1efe/0x3a90 fs/f2fs/data.c:3369
do_writepages+0x359/0x870 mm/page-writeback.c:2634
filemap_fdatawrite_wbc+0x125/0x180 mm/filemap.c:397
__filemap_fdatawrite_range mm/filemap.c:430 [inline]
file_write_and_wait_range+0x1aa/0x290 mm/filemap.c:788
f2fs_do_sync_file+0x68a/0x1ae0 fs/f2fs/file.c:276
generic_write_sync include/linux/fs.h:2806 [inline]
f2fs_file_write_iter+0x7bd/0x24e0 fs/f2fs/file.c:4977
call_write_iter include/linux/fs.h:2114 [inline]
new_sync_write fs/read_write.c:497 [inline]
vfs_write+0xa72/0xc90 fs/read_write.c:590
ksys_write+0x1a0/0x2c0 fs/read_write.c:643
do_syscall_x64 arch/x86/entry/common.c:52 [inline]
do_syscall_64+0xf5/0x240 arch/x86/entry/common.c:83
entry_SYSCALL_64_after_hwframe+0x77/0x7f
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A Linux F2FS error-handling flaw can cause a kernel panic when an inline file is written back after its device becomes read-only. The documented consequence is system disruption. Exposure is limited to systems using F2FS under the relevant conditions; this is not described as a remotely exploitable flaw.
Executive priority
Treat as a high-priority targeted update for F2FS-dependent systems where a kernel panic could interrupt critical services. Broader emergency action is not supported by the supplied evidence because no remote path or active exploitation is documented.
Technical view
f2fs_convert_inline_inode() incorrectly returned success instead of EROFS for a read-only device. Subsequent writeback of the inline inode’s dirty page could reach F2FS data-page handling and panic the kernel. The supplied CVSS 3.1 score is 7.8 with local access, low complexity, low privileges, and no user interaction.
Likely exposure
Potentially exposed systems run a listed affected Linux version, use F2FS, and can encounter dirty inline-inode writeback while the underlying device is read-only. Systems not using F2FS are outside the documented trigger. The bundle’s version data includes an anomalous “0” entry, so packaged-kernel status requires vendor confirmation.
Exploitation context
The bundle marks this CVE as absent from KEV and provides no evidence of active exploitation or a public exploit. Its CVSS vector describes local, low-privileged access. The disclosed trigger is filesystem-state dependent, making this primarily a targeted local kernel stability and security concern rather than a remote attack path.
Researcher notes
The directly documented outcome is a writeback-triggered kernel panic caused by an incorrect success return. Although the CVSS vector assigns high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, the supplied description does not explain confidentiality or integrity consequences. Exact affected package ranges and commit-to-release mappings remain incomplete in the bundle.
Mitigation direction
Update to a vendor-supported kernel containing the applicable cited stable fix.
Consult the Linux distribution or device vendor to map packaged kernels to the upstream fix.
Prioritize updates on systems actively using F2FS filesystems.
Restrict unnecessary local access on exposed systems until remediation is confirmed.
Reboot into the corrected kernel when required by the vendor’s update procedure.
Validation and detection
Inventory running kernel versions and identify systems actively using F2FS.
Check vendor advisories or changelogs for inclusion of an applicable cited fix commit.
Confirm the corrected kernel is running, not merely installed.
Review kernel logs for F2FS writeback failures or related kernel panics.
Reassess exposure if F2FS is disabled or absent from the system.
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-2024-42296 mapping review
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