CVE-2024-50063: bpf: Prevent tail call between progs attached to different hooks
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
bpf: Prevent tail call between progs attached to different hooks
bpf progs can be attached to kernel functions, and the attached functions
can take different parameters or return different return values. If
prog attached to one kernel function tail calls prog attached to another
kernel function, the ctx access or return value verification could be
bypassed.
For example, if prog1 is attached to func1 which takes only 1 parameter
and prog2 is attached to func2 which takes two parameters. Since verifier
assumes the bpf ctx passed to prog2 is constructed based on func2's
prototype, verifier allows prog2 to access the second parameter from
the bpf ctx passed to it. The problem is that verifier does not prevent
prog1 from passing its bpf ctx to prog2 via tail call. In this case,
the bpf ctx passed to prog2 is constructed from func1 instead of func2,
that is, the assumption for ctx access verification is bypassed.
Another example, if BPF LSM prog1 is attached to hook file_alloc_security,
and BPF LSM prog2 is attached to hook bpf_lsm_audit_rule_known. Verifier
knows the return value rules for these two hooks, e.g. it is legal for
bpf_lsm_audit_rule_known to return positive number 1, and it is illegal
for file_alloc_security to return positive number. So verifier allows
prog2 to return positive number 1, but does not allow prog1 to return
positive number. The problem is that verifier does not prevent prog1
from calling prog2 via tail call. In this case, prog2's return value 1
will be used as the return value for prog1's hook file_alloc_security.
That is, the return value rule is bypassed.
This patch adds restriction for tail call to prevent such bypasses.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2024-50063 is a Linux kernel BPF verifier issue. A BPF program attached to one kernel hook could tail-call a program intended for a different hook, bypassing assumptions about parameters or allowed return values. This can undermine kernel safety checks, but the sources do not provide CVSS, public exploit details, or evidence of active exploitation.
Executive priority
Treat as a timely kernel maintenance item, not an emergency based on current evidence. Prioritize multi-tenant Linux, developer platforms, security tooling hosts, and appliances where BPF use is expected or less trusted users have local access.
Technical view
The flaw allows BPF tail calls between programs attached to different kernel functions or LSM hooks. Because verifier checks are based on the target hook prototype and return rules, cross-hook tail calls can bypass context access or return-value validation. The kernel fix adds restrictions preventing these tail calls across incompatible hooks.
Likely exposure
Linux systems running affected kernel versions with BPF enabled may be exposed. Practical risk depends on whether users or workloads can load and attach BPF programs. The bundle lists upstream affected/fixed version data and downstream Debian LTS and Siemens references; validate status through your kernel vendor.
Exploitation context
No cited source or KEV entry indicates active exploitation. Exploitation context centers on the ability to load BPF programs and use tail calls to cross hook boundaries, causing verifier assumptions to be bypassed. The sources do not describe a complete exploit chain or required privileges.
Researcher notes
Severity, CVSS, and CWE are not provided in the source bundle. Version exposure should be resolved per kernel branch and vendor backport status. The key security property is verifier isolation between BPF programs attached to different hooks; the fix restricts incompatible tail calls.
Mitigation direction
Apply Linux kernel updates containing the referenced upstream stable fixes.
Check Debian, Siemens, or other vendor advisories for product-specific fixed packages.
Review whether untrusted users or workloads can load BPF programs.
Follow vendor hardening guidance for BPF exposure until patched.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, appliances, and embedded products.
Confirm installed kernels include the CVE-2024-50063 stable fix.
Check vendor security advisories for affected product mappings.
Verify update deployment through package or firmware release notes.
Monitor KEV and vendor updates for exploitation or revised severity.
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-2024-50063 mapping review
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