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CVE-2024-35835 Siemens CVE debrief

This CVE addresses a double-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Mellanox mlx5e driver, specifically within the `arfs_create_groups` function. A double-free occurs when memory is freed twice, potentially leading to memory corruption, system instability, or code execution. The vulnerability was resolved in the Linux kernel, and Siemens has assessed this as affecting certain industrial networking products running SINEC OS, including the RUGGEDCOM RST2428P and SCALANCE X-family switches. CISA published this advisory on August 12, 2025, with subsequent updates through February 25, 2026, to refine affected product listings and remove rejected CVEs. No CVSS score is currently available in the source data.

Vendor
Siemens
Product
RUGGEDCOM RST2428P (6GK6242-6PA00)
CVSS
Unknown
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2025-08-12
Original CVE updated
2026-02-25
Advisory published
2025-08-12
Advisory updated
2026-02-25

Who should care

Organizations operating Siemens industrial networking infrastructure, particularly those deploying RUGGEDCOM RST2428P switches or SCALANCE X-family managed switches in critical infrastructure, manufacturing, or utility environments. Security teams responsible for OT/ICS asset management and patch coordination should prioritize review.

Technical summary

CVE-2024-35835 is a double-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Mellanox mlx5e Ethernet driver, specifically in the `arfs_create_groups` function. The vulnerability occurs during error handling paths where memory may be freed twice, leading to potential memory corruption. This kernel-level issue affects Siemens industrial networking products utilizing SINEC OS, including RUGGEDCOM RST2428P and SCALANCE X-family switches (XC-300/XR-300/XC-400/XR-500WG/XR-500, XCM-/XRM-/XCH-/XRH-300 families). Siemens notes that SINEC OS versions below 3.1 are unsupported for the SCALANCE XC-300/XR-300/XC-400/XR-500WG/XR-500 family. The vulnerability has been resolved in the upstream Linux kernel.

Defensive priority

medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Review Siemens ProductCERT advisory SSA-613116 for detailed affected product and patch information
  • Verify SINEC OS version on affected SCALANCE and RUGGEDCOM devices; ensure version 3.1 or later is deployed as earlier versions are unsupported
  • Apply vendor-provided firmware updates when available per Siemens guidance
  • Monitor CISA ICS advisories for additional updates to ICSA-25-226-15
  • Implement network segmentation for industrial control systems per CISA recommended practices
  • Follow defense-in-depth strategies for ICS environments as outlined in CISA guidance

Evidence notes

The vulnerability description indicates a resolved double-free in net/mlx5e driver. Siemens ProductCERT advisory SSA-613116 is the authoritative source for affected product assessment. CISA's CSAF advisory ICSA-25-226-15 was initially published 2025-08-12 and most recently updated 2026-02-25 to reflect corrections to affected products and removal of rejected CVEs. The threat assessment in the source marks impact as 'Misinformed' for affected product IDs.

Official resources

2025-08-12