CVE-2024-53107

What it actually does

Integer overflow in pagemap_scan_get_args() when multiplying user-controlled u64 vec_len by sizeof(struct page_region), leading to wrapping; size_mul() and unsigned long checks added to prevent corruption, especially on 32-bit systems.

Why it matters to the business

Affected Linux kernel deployments face potential memory corruption risks requiring kernel updates; low EPSS and no KEV status indicate limited immediate operational disruption but still warrant patching to avoid stability or security issues across widespread kernel usage.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker supplies a crafted vec_len value via pagemap scan interface to trigger the multiplication wrap; on 32-bit systems this can lead to incorrect allocation sizes and memory corruption, potentially leveraged by espionage or financially motivated actors in broader Linux kernel campaigns.

How to fix it

Upgrade Linux kernel to commit adee03f8903c58a6a559f21388a430211fac8ce9 or later; for listed Ubuntu imlib2 packages apply fixes such as 1.4.6-2ubuntu0.1 on 14.04 LTS and 1.4.7-1ubuntu0.1 on 16.04 LTS.

How to confirm the fix worked

Verify kernel version includes the size_mul() changes and unsigned long bounds check; test pagemap scan operations with boundary vec_len values to confirm no overflow occurs.

Typical attack path

1. Identify target system running vulnerable Linux kernel version
2. Invoke pagemap scan syscall with oversized or wrapping vec_len argument
3. Trigger integer overflow during size calculation
4. Exploit resulting memory state for corruption or further access

How to detect it

Review kernel logs and process traces for unusual pagemap scan calls or memory allocation failures; correlate with threat actor patterns around Linux kernel memory issues.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize kernel updates on all affected systems given published fix availability
• Monitor EPSS trend and threat actor reports for any increase in exploitation
• Apply listed package updates for imlib2 where kernel exposure exists