PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2024-38547 Siemens CVE debrief

A null-pointer dereference vulnerability exists in the Intel AtomISP (Image Signal Processor) media driver, specifically within the `load_video_binaries` function in `ssh_css`. This flaw can be triggered when processing video firmware binaries, leading to a kernel crash and denial of service. The vulnerability affects the GNU/Linux subsystem of Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 TM MFP industrial control systems. With a CVSS 3.1 score of 4.4 (Medium), this vulnerability requires local access and high privileges to exploit, limiting its attack surface but still posing a risk to system availability in industrial environments.

Vendor: Siemens
Product: SIMATIC S7-1500 TM MFP - GNU/Linux subsystem
CVSS: MEDIUM 4.4
CISA KEV: Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published: 2024-04-09
Original CVE updated: 2026-05-14
Advisory published: 2024-04-09
Advisory updated: 2026-05-14

Who should care

Industrial control system operators using Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 TM MFP with the GNU/Linux subsystem enabled; security teams managing OT/ICS environments; Linux kernel maintainers for embedded/industrial systems; compliance officers tracking CVE remediation in critical infrastructure

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists in the `load_video_binaries` function within the Intel AtomISP (atomisp) media driver, a component of the Linux kernel's video4linux subsystem. A null-pointer dereference occurs when the driver attempts to process video firmware binaries without proper validation of pointer references. This results in a kernel oops or panic, causing system unavailability. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation). On affected Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 TM MFP systems, exploitation requires local access with administrative privileges to the GNU/Linux subsystem, making this primarily an insider threat or post-compromise concern. No patch is currently available per vendor advisory.

Defensive priority

medium

Recommended defensive actions

Restrict interactive shell access to the GNU/Linux subsystem to trusted personnel only
Build and run applications exclusively from trusted sources
Monitor for kernel crashes or unexpected system reboots in affected industrial systems
Apply vendor patches when Siemens releases firmware updates addressing this vulnerability
Implement network segmentation to limit access to affected industrial control systems

Evidence notes

The vulnerability is documented in CISA ICS Advisory ICSA-24-102-01, which references Siemens Security Advisory SSA-265688. The source advisory indicates this is a Linux kernel media subsystem vulnerability affecting the atomisp driver. The CVSS vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H) confirms local attack vector with high privilege requirements, resulting in high availability impact only.

Official resources

2024-04-09