CVE-2024-57930: tracing: Have process_string() also allow arrays
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
tracing: Have process_string() also allow arrays
In order to catch a common bug where a TRACE_EVENT() TP_fast_assign()
assigns an address of an allocated string to the ring buffer and then
references it in TP_printk(), which can be executed hours later when the
string is free, the function test_event_printk() runs on all events as
they are registered to make sure there's no unwanted dereferencing.
It calls process_string() to handle cases in TP_printk() format that has
"%s". It returns whether or not the string is safe. But it can have some
false positives.
For instance, xe_bo_move() has:
TP_printk("move_lacks_source:%s, migrate object %p [size %zu] from %s to %s device_id:%s",
__entry->move_lacks_source ? "yes" : "no", __entry->bo, __entry->size,
xe_mem_type_to_name[__entry->old_placement],
xe_mem_type_to_name[__entry->new_placement], __get_str(device_id))
Where the "%s" references into xe_mem_type_to_name[]. This is an array of
pointers that should be safe for the event to access. Instead of flagging
this as a bad reference, if a reference points to an array, where the
record field is the index, consider it safe.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This Linux kernel CVE concerns tracing event validation, not a clearly described remote attack. The fix allows safe string references through arrays, avoiding incorrect handling by the tracing checker. Public sources do not provide CVSS, CWE, impact detail, or evidence of exploitation.
Executive priority
Treat this as routine kernel hygiene unless your vendor rates it higher. Patch through normal maintenance windows, with higher priority for internet-facing hosts only if your distribution advisory adds impact details.
Technical view
The kernel tracing test_event_printk() path uses process_string() to detect unsafe %s dereferences in TRACE_EVENT() print formats. The fix treats array pointer references indexed by record fields as safe, reducing false positives for cases like xe_mem_type_to_name[].
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to Linux systems running affected kernel revisions before the referenced stable fixes. The source bundle identifies Linux kernel updates including 6.1.122, 6.6.68, and 6.12.7, but does not describe userland packages or configurations required for exploitation.
Exploitation context
No cited source states active exploitation, and CISA KEV status is false. The available description reads like a kernel tracing correctness fix with incomplete security-impact detail. Do not assume practical exploitability from the provided evidence.
Researcher notes
Evidence is sparse: no CVSS vector, CWE, exploit narrative, or affected configuration is provided. The fix changes tracing format validation behavior around array-backed string references; further assessment should rely on kernel commit diffs and distribution advisories.
Mitigation direction
Update Linux kernels through vendor-supported stable or distribution packages.
Prioritize Debian LTS systems if they match the referenced advisory scope.
Check kernel vendor advisories for exact affected and fixed versions.
Avoid direct wrangler-style assumptions; do not infer unsupported product impact.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, containers hosts, and appliances.
Compare versions against vendor advisories and fixed stable kernel releases.
Confirm whether Debian LTS packages include the referenced update.
Record KEV status as not listed for active exploitation.
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
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
cve · low confidence lookup
CVE-2024-57930 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
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.
0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
1ADP providers
7Source links
Vulnerability timeline
Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.
CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Jan 21, 2025, 12:01 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.