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CVE-2024-45016 Siemens CVE debrief

CVE-2024-45016 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's netem (network emulator) subsystem. The issue involves an incorrect return value when duplicate packet enqueue operations fail, which could lead to improper error handling in network traffic control operations. The vulnerability was resolved in the Linux kernel with a fix to ensure proper return values are used when duplicate enqueue fails. Siemens has identified this vulnerability as affecting the GNU/Linux subsystem of the SIMATIC S7-1500 TM MFP industrial control product. The vulnerability carries a HIGH severity CVSS 3.1 score of 7.0, with a vector indicating local attack vector, high attack complexity, low privileges required, and high impacts to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CISA published this vulnerability in advisory ICSA-24-102-01 on April 9, 2024, with subsequent updates through September 2025 adding additional CVEs to the advisory. As of the source publication, no fix is available from Siemens for the affected product, though mitigations include limiting access to the interactive shell of the GNU/Linux subsystem to trusted personnel only and only building and running applications from trusted sources.

Vendor
Siemens
Product
SIMATIC S7-1500 TM MFP - GNU/Linux subsystem
CVSS
HIGH 7
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; network administrators implementing traffic control with netem; security teams responsible for Linux kernel security in embedded and industrial environments

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's netem (network emulator) traffic control module. When duplicate packet enqueue operations fail, the function returns an incorrect value, potentially causing improper error propagation. This is classified under CWE-416 (Use After Free) based on the referenced CWE link in source materials. The netem module is used for network emulation including packet delay, loss, duplication, and reordering. Incorrect return value handling could lead to resource management issues or unexpected behavior in network traffic control operations.

Defensive priority

HIGH

Recommended defensive actions

  • Limit access to the interactive shell of the additional GNU/Linux subsystem to trusted personnel only
  • Only build and run applications from trusted sources
  • Monitor for future Siemens security advisories for patch availability
  • Apply defense-in-depth strategies for industrial control systems per CISA guidance
  • Review network segmentation to limit exposure of affected systems

Evidence notes

The vulnerability description is sourced from the Linux kernel commit message indicating a fix for return value handling in netem duplicate enqueue operations. Siemens CSAF data confirms impact to SIMATIC S7-1500 TM MFP GNU/Linux subsystem. CVSS vector AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H indicates local attack with high complexity but severe impact if exploited.

Official resources

This vulnerability was disclosed through coordinated disclosure via CISA and Siemens. The Linux kernel fix was committed upstream, and Siemens subsequently assessed impact to their industrial control product line.