CVE-2024-53198: xen: Fix the issue of resource not being properly released in xenbus_dev_probe()
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
xen: Fix the issue of resource not being properly released in xenbus_dev_probe()
This patch fixes an issue in the function xenbus_dev_probe(). In the
xenbus_dev_probe() function, within the if (err) branch at line 313, the
program incorrectly returns err directly without releasing the resources
allocated by err = drv->probe(dev, id). As the return value is non-zero,
the upper layers assume the processing logic has failed. However, the probe
operation was performed earlier without a corresponding remove operation.
Since the probe actually allocates resources, failing to perform the remove
operation could lead to problems.
To fix this issue, we followed the resource release logic of the
xenbus_dev_remove() function by adding a new block fail_remove before the
fail_put block. After entering the branch if (err) at line 313, the
function will use a goto statement to jump to the fail_remove block,
ensuring that the previously acquired resources are correctly released,
thus preventing the reference count leak.
This bug was identified by an experimental static analysis tool developed
by our team. The tool specializes in analyzing reference count operations
and detecting potential issues where resources are not properly managed.
In this case, the tool flagged the missing release operation as a
potential problem, which led to the development of this patch.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A Linux Xen device-probing error can leave allocated resources and reference counts unreleased when probing fails. The supplied record rates potential impact as high, but exploitation requires local, low-privileged access and no user interaction. Organizations using Xen-enabled Linux systems should confirm their distribution kernel includes the published correction.
Executive priority
Treat this as a high-priority kernel maintenance issue on Xen infrastructure, especially shared systems permitting lower-privileged local access. It is less urgent for systems without Xen exposure. There is no supplied evidence of active exploitation, so prioritize accurate inventory and tested kernel updates over emergency disruption.
Technical view
In xenbus_dev_probe(), an error returned after drv->probe() previously bypassed the corresponding removal path. The correction adds a fail_remove path before fail_put, following xenbus_dev_remove() cleanup logic and preventing a reference-count leak. The record classifies this as CWE-401 with CVSS 3.1 score 7.8 and vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to Linux kernels using the affected Xen bus code. The supplied affected-version data is broad and internally unclear, including repeated commit identifiers and multiple kernel branches. Confirm exposure using the running distribution kernel package, Xen usage, and vendor-specific security status rather than version strings alone.
Exploitation context
The supplied bundle marks this CVE as absent from KEV and provides no evidence of active exploitation or a public exploit. The CVSS vector describes a local attack requiring low privileges. The vulnerability was found by experimental static analysis, not reported through observed attacks.
Researcher notes
The defect is a failed-probe cleanup omission causing a reference-count/resource leak. Published fixes span multiple stable branches. The supplied affected-version representation is not sufficiently precise for package-level conclusions; distribution backports may change exposure. No source in the bundle demonstrates exploitability, attack reliability, or observed compromise.
Mitigation direction
Upgrade to a vendor-supported kernel containing the applicable published stable fix.
Review Debian LTS advisories when operating affected Debian releases.
Consult your Linux distributor’s guidance for exact fixed package versions.
Prioritize Xen hosts where untrusted or lower-privileged local users have access.
Validation and detection
Inventory running kernel versions and identify systems using Xen or Xen bus drivers.
Compare each kernel package against its distributor’s CVE status and fixed release.
Verify the deployed kernel incorporates the applicable upstream stable correction.
Confirm patched probe-error handling invokes resource removal before releasing the device reference.
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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cwe · low confidence lookup
CWE-401: Exact CWE lookup
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CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
CWE-401 · source CWE mapping
Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime
Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.