CVE-2024-41088: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: can: mcp251xfd: fix infinite loop when xmit fails When the mcp251xfd_start_xmit(...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: can: mcp251xfd: fix infinite loop when xmit fails When the mcp251xfd_start_xmit() function fails, the driver stops processing messages, and the interrupt routine does not return, running indefinitely even after killing the running application. Error messages: [ 441.298819] mcp251xfd spi2.0 can0: ERROR in mcp251xfd_start_xmit: -16 [ 441.306498] mcp251xfd spi2.0 can0: Transmit Event FIFO buffer not empty. (seq=0x000017c7, tef_tail=0x000017cf, tef_head=0x000017d0, tx_head=0x000017d3). ... and repeat forever. The issue can be triggered when multiple devices share the same SPI interface. And there is concurrent access to the bus. The problem occurs because tx_ring->head increments even if mcp251xfd_start_xmit() fails. Consequently, the driver skips one TX package while still expecting a response in mcp251xfd_handle_tefif_one(). Resolve the issue by starting a workqueue to write the tx obj synchronously if err = -EBUSY. In case of another error, decrement tx_ring->head, remove skb from the echo stack, and drop the message. [mkl: use more imperative wording in patch description]

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.23%

13.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-835

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 5.10, < 6.1.97
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.2, < 6.6.37
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.7, < 6.9.8

References

Timeline

Published: Jul 29, 2024
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2024-41088?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: can: mcp251xfd: fix infinite loop when xmit fails When the mcp251xfd_start_xmit() function fails, the driver stops processing messages, and the interrupt routine does not return, running indefinitely even after killing the running application. Error messages: [ 441.298819] mcp251xfd spi2.0 can0: ERROR in mcp251xfd_start_xmit: -16 [ 441.306498] mcp251xfd spi2.0 can0: Transmit Event FIFO buffer not empty. (seq=0x000017c7, tef_tail=0x000017cf, tef_head=0x000017d0, tx_head=0x000017d3). ... and repeat forever. The issue can be triggered when multiple devices share the same SPI interface. And there is concurrent access to the bus. The problem occurs because tx_ring->head increments even if mcp251xfd_start_xmit() fails. Consequently, the driver skips one TX package while still expecting a response in mcp251xfd_handle_tefif_one(). Resolve the issue by starting a workqueue to write the tx obj synchronously if err = -EBUSY. In case of another error, decrement tx_ring->head, remove skb from the echo stack, and drop the message. [mkl: use more imperative wording in patch description]

How severe is CVE-2024-41088?

CVE-2024-41088 has a CVSS score of 5.5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.23% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2024-41088?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.