CVE-2024-53088

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's i40e network driver. A local user can exploit this race condition to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) through memory corruption. The issue occurs when multiple concurrent operations modify Media Access Control (MAC) and Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) filters under heavy load, leading the driver to reference memory that has already been freed.

The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.

Prevent the i40e kernel module from loading if Intel 700 series network adapters are not present or required on the host.

1. Blacklist the driver by creating a configuration file in /etc/modprobe.d/:

echo "install i40e /bin/true" >> /etc/modprobe.d/disable-i40e.conf

2. If the driver is already loaded and not actively bound to essential network interfaces, remove it:

rmmod i40e

Caveat: Disabling this module prevents Intel Ethernet 700 Series network interfaces from functioning. If the driver is currently in use, unloading it will require a system reboot or network service reload, leading to temporary network downtime.