Linux · Linux Kernel · CVE-2024-56668
**Name of the Vulnerable Software and Affected Versions**
Linux kernel versions prior to 6.13.0-rc1-00028-g4b50c3c3b998-dirty
**Description**
A NULL pointer dereference issue has been resolved in the Linux kernel's iommu/vt-d component. The issue occurs when trying to map pages to a nested parent domain, resulting in a NULL dereference. Additionally, there is a potential memory leak due to the lack of a lock around the domain->qi batch allocation. The issue is fixed by adding a helper for qi batch allocation and calling it in both the cache tag assign domain() and cache tag assign parent domain() functions.
**Recommendations**
To resolve the issue, update to a version of the Linux kernel that includes the fix for the qi batch NULL pointer dereference.
As a temporary workaround, consider disabling the `iommu map()` function until a patch is available.
Restrict access to the `intel iommu iotlb sync map()` function to minimize the risk of exploitation.
Avoid using the `domain->qi batch` variable in the affected API endpoints until the issue is resolved.
Apply the patch that adds a helper for qi batch allocation and calls it in both the ` cache tag assign domain()` and ` cache tag assign parent domain()` functions.