High

Linux kernel tap short frame validation flaw in tap_get_user_xdp

IdentifiersCVE-2024-41090CWE-125· Out-of-bounds Read

CVE-2024-41090 is a Linux kernel vulnerability in the tap driver caused by missing validation of short Ethernet frames in the tap_get_user_xdp() path. Unlike the alternative tap_get_user() path, the vulnerable code did not reject frames shorter than ETH_HLEN. As a result, a malformed short frame could produce a corrupted skb that is passed further down the networking stack. The issue is specifically tied to assumptions made during skb metadata setup, including skb_set_network_header(), which may operate as if the frame is at least Ethernet-header sized. This can lead to inconsistent skb header metadata and potential access beyond the actual frame length.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Successful exploitation may allow a local attacker to trigger out-of-bounds memory access in kernel networking code or otherwise corrupt network stack state, resulting in denial of service such as kernel crashes or instability. The supplied advisory context specifically characterizes the practical impact as local DoS on affected systems.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

No specific workaround is provided in the supplied advisories beyond patching. As a temporary risk-reduction measure, restrict untrusted local access to systems that expose TAP functionality and minimize use of affected virtual networking paths until fixed kernels are deployed.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Apply a kernel update containing the fix for CVE-2024-41090. The fix adds missing verification in the tap_get_user_xdp() path to drop frames shorter than the Ethernet header size, aligning behavior with tap_get_user(). Where vendor-specific updates are provided, install the fixed kernel packages for the affected product branch and reboot the system if required by the vendor.

PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

No public exploits tracked yet. Mallory keeps watching.

VALID 0 / 0 TOTALView more in app

No public exploit code observed for this vulnerability.

ACTIVITY FEED

Recent activity

6 sources tracked across advisories and community write-ups. News coverage will land here when it surfaces.

6 SOURCESView more in app

No news coverage yet. Advisories and community discussion only.

What this page doesn’t show

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Exposure mapping

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Threat actor evidence

Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.

Associated malware

Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.

Detection signatures

YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.

Vendor-by-vendor mapping

Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.

Social activity