PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
CVE-2024-49949 Siemens CVE debrief
CVE-2024-49949 is a medium-severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel's networking subsystem, specifically within the `qdisc_pkt_len_init()` function when handling UFO (UDP Fragmentation Offload) packets. The issue involves a potential integer underflow that could lead to denial of service conditions. The vulnerability was resolved in the upstream Linux kernel. Siemens has identified affected products in their industrial networking portfolio, including RUGGEDCOM RST2428P switches and SCALANCE XC/XR/XCM/XRM/XCH/XRH family devices running SINEC OS. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H) indicates a local attack vector with low attack complexity, requiring low privileges but no user interaction, resulting in high availability impact.
- Vendor
- Siemens
- Product
- RUGGEDCOM RST2428P (6GK6242-6PA00)
- CVSS
- MEDIUM 5.5
- 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 equipment including RUGGEDCOM RST2428P switches and SCALANCE XC/XR/XCM/XRM/XCH/XRH family devices. System administrators managing Linux-based industrial control systems, OT security teams responsible for network infrastructure in manufacturing, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors, and vulnerability management programs tracking third-party component vulnerabilities in embedded industrial products.
Technical summary
The vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's network queueing discipline (qdisc) subsystem. The `qdisc_pkt_len_init()` function, which initializes packet length information for traffic shaping and scheduling, contains a potential integer underflow when processing packets with UDP Fragmentation Offload (UFO) enabled. An underflow in packet length calculations could cause the kernel to process invalid length values, potentially leading to memory corruption or system crashes. The attack requires local access with low privileges, making it primarily a concern for multi-user systems or containerized environments where untrusted users may have local access. For the affected Siemens industrial products, exploitation would require an attacker to have established some level of access to the device or network segment.
Defensive priority
medium
Recommended defensive actions
- Apply vendor-provided firmware updates to V3.2 or later for affected Siemens RUGGEDCOM RST2428P and SCALANCE XCM-/XRM-/XCH-/XRH-300 family devices per Siemens ProductCERT guidance
- For SCALANCE XC-300/XR-300/XC-400/XR-500WG/XR-500 family devices, consult Siemens ProductCERT advisory SSA-355557 for specific configuration and patch guidance
- Implement network segmentation for industrial control systems to limit exposure of affected devices
- Monitor for anomalous network traffic patterns that could indicate attempted exploitation of kernel networking vulnerabilities
- Review and apply CISA ICS recommended practices for defense-in-depth strategies
- Validate that UDP fragmentation offload (UFO) features are disabled or properly configured if not required for operational functionality
Evidence notes
Vulnerability description sourced from CISA CSAF advisory ICSA-25-226-07, which references Siemens ProductCERT advisory SSA-355557. The issue was resolved in the Linux kernel upstream. Siemens remediation guidance specifies firmware updates to V3.2 or later for affected RUGGEDCOM and SCALANCE products.
Sources and references
Verified primary and authoritative sources
-
CVE-2024-49949 CVE Program record
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2024-49949
CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.
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CVE-2024-49949 NVD vulnerability detail
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-49949
NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.
Supplemental references
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Source item URL
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/cisagov/CSAF/develop/csaf_files/OT/white/2025/icsa-25-226-07.json
cisa_csaf
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/csaf/ssa-355557.json
Reference
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-355557.html
Reference
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-25-226-07
Reference
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-alerts/ics-alert-10-301-01
Reference
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/ics-recommended-practices
Reference
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://www.cisa.gov/topics/industrial-control-systems
Reference
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/recommended_practices/NCCIC_ICS-CERT_Defense_in_Depth_2016_S508C.pdf
Reference
Methodology and review provenance
AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.