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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2024-53101 Siemens CVE debrief

This CVE addresses an uninitialized variable vulnerability in the Linux kernel's OCFS2 filesystem. The `ocfs2_setattr()` function was using `attr->ia_mode`, `attr->ia_uid`, and `attr->ia_gid` in a trace point without verifying that the corresponding `ATTR_MODE`, `ATTR_UID`, and `ATTR_GID` flags were actually set in the attribute mask. This could lead to use of uninitialized kernel values. The fix ensures all fields of `newattrs` are properly initialized to zero when their respective attribute flags are not set. Siemens has identified this vulnerability as affecting multiple industrial networking products running SINEC OS, including RUGGEDCOM RST2428P and SCALANCE switch families. The vulnerability is locally exploitable with low attack complexity, requiring low privileges but no user interaction, and can result 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
2024-04-09
Original CVE updated
2026-05-14
Advisory published
2024-04-09
Advisory updated
2026-05-14

Who should care

Organizations operating Siemens industrial networking equipment including RUGGEDCOM RST2428P and SCALANCE switch families in critical infrastructure environments. System administrators responsible for maintaining firmware on OT/ICS networks. Security teams monitoring Linux kernel vulnerabilities in embedded industrial systems.

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists in the OCFS2 (Oracle Cluster File System 2) kernel module's `ocfs2_setattr()` function. When handling file attribute changes, the function references `attr->ia_mode`, `attr->ia_uid`, and `attr->ia_gid` in a trace point without first checking whether the corresponding `ATTR_MODE`, `ATTR_UID`, or `ATTR_GID` bits are set in `attr->ia_valid`. This results in potential use of uninitialized stack memory. The kernel fix initializes all fields of the `newattrs` structure to zero when their respective attribute flags are not present in the valid mask. This is a classic CWE-456 (Missing Initialization of a Variable) issue affecting kernel memory safety.

Defensive priority

medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply vendor-provided firmware updates to V3.2 or later for affected RUGGEDCOM and SCALANCE products
  • For SCALANCE XC-300/XR-300/XC-400/XR-500WG/XR-500 family, consult Siemens ProductCERT advisory SSA-355557 for specific configuration guidance
  • Implement network segmentation for industrial control systems per CISA recommended practices
  • Monitor for anomalous local access attempts on affected devices
  • Review and apply defense-in-depth strategies for industrial control systems

Evidence notes

The vulnerability was resolved in the Linux kernel by initializing all fields of newattrs to avoid uninitialized variables. Siemens ProductCERT advisory SSA-355557 and CISA advisory ICSA-25-226-07 document affected products. The CVSS 3.1 vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H indicates local attack vector with high availability impact.

Official resources

2025-08-12