Linux · Linux Kernel · CVE-2024-54683
**Name of the Vulnerable Software and Affected Versions**
Linux kernel versions prior to 6.6.74
**Description**
A possible ABBA deadlock vulnerability has been identified in the Linux kernel, specifically in the netfilter IDLETIMER module. This issue occurs when the deletion of the last rule referencing a given idletimer happens simultaneously with a read of its file in sysfs, resulting in a possible circular locking dependency. A simple reproducer for this issue is provided, demonstrating how the deadlock can occur. The vulnerability is resolved by freeing the `list mutex` immediately after deleting the element from the list and then continuing with the teardown.
**Recommendations**
For Linux kernel versions prior to 6.6.74, update to version 6.6.74 or later to resolve the vulnerability. As a temporary workaround, consider avoiding the simultaneous deletion and reading of idletimer rules to minimize the risk of deadlock.