CVE-2024-6409: Openssh: possible remote code execution due to a race condition in signal handling affecting red hat enterprise linux 9

Published Jul 1, 2024
·
Updated

A race condition vulnerability was discovered in how signals are handled by OpenSSH's server (sshd). If a remote attacker does not authenticate within a set time period, then sshd's SIGALRM handler is called asynchronously. However, this signal handler calls various functions that are not async-signal-safe, for example, syslog(). As a consequence of a successful attack, in the worst case scenario, an attacker may be able to perform a remote code execution (RCE) as an unprivileged user running the sshd server.

Other sources

The OpenSSH version as shipped with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 is vulnerable to a signal handler race condition on cleanupexit() function which introduces the same vulnerability as CVE-2024-6387 in the unprivileged child of the SSHD server. This vulnerability only affects the versions of OpenSSH shipped with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.

Red Hat

Affected Software

3 affected componentsFixes available
F5 BIG-IP Next SPK>=1.7.0<=1.9.2
F5 BIG-IP Next CNF>=1.1.0<=1.3.1
debian/openssh
1:8.4p1-5+deb11u31:8.4p1-5+deb11u71:9.2p1-2+deb12u101:9.2p1-2+deb12u91:10.0p1-7+deb13u41:10.0p1-7+deb13u21:10.3p1-51:10.4p1-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/openssh to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 1:8.4p1-5+deb11u3Fixed in 1:8.4p1-5+deb11u7Fixed in 1:9.2p1-2+deb12u10Fixed in 1:9.2p1-2+deb12u9Fixed in 1:10.0p1-7+deb13u4Fixed in 1:10.0p1-7+deb13u2Fixed in 1:10.3p1-5Fixed in 1:10.4p1-1
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade openssh (sshd) on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch CVE-2024-6387

Event History

Jul 1, 2024
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·11:12 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jul 8, 2024
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:57 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:57 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·06:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Jul 11, 2024
News Published
via The Register·07:13 PM
News Published
via The Register·07:18 PM
Sep 6, 2024
Advisory Published
via F5·03:20 AM
Jun 29, 2026
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·08:52 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·08:53 AM
Description
Jul 7, 2026
Data Sourced
via Debian·08:04 AM
DescriptionAffected Software
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2024-6409?

CVE-2024-6409 is considered to be a high severity vulnerability due to its potential to allow remote attackers to exploit the race condition in OpenSSH's server.

2

How do I fix CVE-2024-6409?

To remediate CVE-2024-6409, update OpenSSH to one of the patched versions: 1:8.4p1-5+deb11u3, 1:9.2p1-2+deb12u3, or 1:9.8p1-8.

3

Which software is affected by CVE-2024-6409?

CVE-2024-6409 affects OpenSSH server versions, as well as specific versions of F5 BIG-IP Next SPK and F5 BIG-IP Next CNF.

4

Can CVE-2024-6409 be exploited remotely?

Yes, CVE-2024-6409 can be exploited remotely by attackers without authentication for a limited time.

5

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2024-6409?

CVE-2024-6409 is classified as a race condition vulnerability related to signal handling in the OpenSSH server.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203