CVE-2024-42098: crypto: ecdh - explicitly zeroize private_key
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
crypto: ecdh - explicitly zeroize privatekey
privatekey is overwritten with the key parameter passed in by the caller (if present), or alternatively a newly generated private key. However, it is possible that the caller provides a key (or the newly generated key) which is shorter than the previous key. In that scenario, some key material from the previous key would not be overwritten. The easiest solution is to explicitly zeroize the entire privatekey array first.
Note that this patch slightly changes the behavior of this function: previously, if the eccgenprivkey failed, the old privatekey would remain. Now, the privatekey is always zeroized. This behavior is consistent with the case where params.key is set and ecciskeyvalid fails.
Affected Software
Remediation
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2024-42098?
CVE-2024-42098 has not been assigned a CVSS score yet, but it poses significant risk related to key management in the Linux kernel.
How do I fix CVE-2024-42098?
To fix CVE-2024-42098, update your Linux kernel to version 6.1.123-1, 6.1.128-1, or 6.12.12-1.
What versions of Linux are affected by CVE-2024-42098?
CVE-2024-42098 affects Linux kernel versions up to and including 5.10.226-1 and certain versions of linux-6.1.
What is the nature of CVE-2024-42098?
CVE-2024-42098 involves a vulnerability where the private_key in the Linux kernel's crypto module may not be securely zeroed after use.
Is CVE-2024-42098 a remote or local vulnerability?
CVE-2024-42098 is a local vulnerability, as it affects kernel-level security potentially exploitable by local users or processes.