Use After Free in Linux

CVE-2024-49960

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ext4: fix timer use-after-free on failed mount Syzbot has found an ODEBUG bug in ext4_fill_super The del_timer_sync function cancels the s_err_report timer, which reminds about filesystem errors daily. We should guarantee the timer is no longer active before kfree(sbi). When filesystem mounting fails, the flow goes to failed_mount3, where an error occurs when ext4_stop_mmpd is called, causing a read I/O failure. This triggers the ext4_handle_error function that ultimately re-arms the timer, leaving the s_err_report timer active before kfree(sbi) is called. Fix the issue by canceling the s_err_report timer after calling ext4_stop_mmpd.

Vulnerability class: Use-After-Free

EPSS: 0.003 (20.0th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.

CVSS v3 metric

CVSS v3 base score 7.8 (High). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Affected products

Weakness classification (CWE)

Public proof-of-concept exploits

References

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2024-49960?
CVE-2024-49960 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux, classified under Use After Free. CVSS score: 7.8/10. Published 2024-10-21.
How severe is CVE-2024-49960?
High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 7.8 out of 10.
Is CVE-2024-49960 known to be exploited?
4 public proof-of-concept repositories are indexed. Not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.