CVE-2024-58060: bpf: Reject struct_ops registration that uses module ptr and the module btf_id is missing
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
bpf: Reject struct_ops registration that uses module ptr and the module btf_id is missing
There is a UAF report in the bpf_struct_ops when CONFIG_MODULES=n.
In particular, the report is on tcp_congestion_ops that has
a "struct module *owner" member.
For struct_ops that has a "struct module *owner" member,
it can be extended either by the regular kernel module or
by the bpf_struct_ops. bpf_try_module_get() will be used
to do the refcounting and different refcount is done
based on the owner pointer. When CONFIG_MODULES=n,
the btf_id of the "struct module" is missing:
WARN: resolve_btfids: unresolved symbol module
Thus, the bpf_try_module_get() cannot do the correct refcounting.
Not all subsystem's struct_ops requires the "struct module *owner" member.
e.g. the recent sched_ext_ops.
This patch is to disable bpf_struct_ops registration if
the struct_ops has the "struct module *" member and the
"struct module" btf_id is missing. The btf_type_is_fwd() helper
is moved to the btf.h header file for this test.
This has happened since the beginning of bpf_struct_ops which has gone
through many changes. The Fixes tag is set to a recent commit that this
patch can apply cleanly. Considering CONFIG_MODULES=n is not
common and the age of the issue, targeting for bpf-next also.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2024-58060 is a Linux kernel use-after-free issue in BPF struct_ops handling. It matters mainly for uncommon kernels built without module support. A local low-privileged user could potentially trigger kernel memory corruption, with worst-case impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Executive priority
High for Linux fleets with local users, containers, CI workers, or shared compute. Lower priority for systems not using affected kernels or uncommon CONFIG_MODULES=n builds. Patch through normal kernel update channels after confirming vendor applicability.
Technical view
When CONFIG_MODULES=n, the BTF ID for struct module can be missing. For struct_ops types containing a struct module owner pointer, bpf_try_module_get() may refcount incorrectly. The fix rejects BPF struct_ops registration when a module pointer exists but the module BTF ID is unavailable.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to Linux systems running affected kernels with CONFIG_MODULES=n and relevant BPF struct_ops registration paths. The source notes CONFIG_MODULES=n is not common. Distribution-specific impact is not fully evidenced in the provided sources.
Exploitation context
The CVSS vector is local, low complexity, low privileges, and no user interaction. The source bundle does not identify active exploitation, and KEV is false. Treat this as a local privilege and kernel stability risk, not a confirmed internet-exploited issue.
Researcher notes
The issue is CWE-416 use-after-free in kernel BPF struct_ops registration and refcounting. Evidence supports a configuration-dependent bug tied to missing module BTF ID. The source does not provide exploit details, distribution matrices, or proof of active exploitation.
Mitigation direction
Apply a vendor kernel update that includes the referenced stable fixes.
Check Linux distribution advisories before changing kernel branches manually.
Prioritize shared servers, developer hosts, and multi-tenant systems with local user access.
Restrict untrusted local workload access where patching is delayed.
Track whether deployed kernels are built with CONFIG_MODULES=n.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across affected systems.
Confirm whether kernels are built with CONFIG_MODULES=n.
Verify whether referenced stable commits are present in deployed kernels.
Review vendor advisories for backported fixes and affected package versions.
Check whether local workloads can use BPF struct_ops paths.
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-416: Exact CWE lookup
Use the exact CWE identifier as the starting point before reviewing related ATT&CK behavior. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.
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.
1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
1ADP providers
4Source links
SSVC decision data
CISA-ADPCISA Coordinator
Timestamp
Version
2.0.3
Exploitation: noneAutomatable: noTechnical Impact: total
CVSS vector scores
1 official score
We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
CWE-416 · source CWE mapping
Use After Free
Use After Free represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.