CVE-2024-27052
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's rtl8xxxu WiFi driver. When the driver is stopped, a workqueue might still be running, potentially leading to memory corruption. This affects Linux systems using the rtl8xxxu driver for certain Realtek WiFi chips.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with rtl8xxxu driver
📦 What is this software?
Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic or system crash leading to denial of service, or potential privilege escalation if memory corruption can be controlled.
Likely Case
System instability, kernel crashes, or denial of service when WiFi interface is disabled or driver is unloaded.
If Mitigated
Minor system instability that requires physical access or local user interaction to trigger.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and ability to trigger driver stop operations. No public exploits known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing the fix commits: 1213acb478a7181cd73eeaf00db430f1e45b1361 and related
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1213acb478a7181cd73eeaf00db430f1e45b1361
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to update kernel. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable rtl8xxxu driver
linuxBlacklist or disable the vulnerable driver module
echo 'blacklist rtl8xxxu' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-rtl8xxxu.conf
update-initramfs -u
reboot
Use alternative WiFi driver
linuxSwitch to alternative driver for Realtek chips if available
modprobe -r rtl8xxxu
modprobe alternative_driver_name
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems using rtl8xxxu driver
- Avoid stopping/restarting WiFi interfaces on affected systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if rtl8xxxu module is loaded: lsmod | grep rtl8xxxu. If loaded and kernel version is before fix, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Check kernel version is after fix commits. Verify rtl8xxxu module loads without issues when stopping/starting WiFi.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- Oops messages in dmesg
- WiFi driver crash logs
Network Indicators:
- Sudden WiFi disconnections
- Interface disappearance
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("Oops" OR "panic" OR "rtl8xxxu")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1213acb478a7181cd73eeaf00db430f1e45b1361
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/156012667b85ca7305cb363790d3ae8519a6f41e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3518cea837de4d106efa84ddac18a07b6de1384e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/58fe3bbddfec10c6b216096d8c0e517cd8463e3a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/7059cdb69f8e1a2707dd1e2f363348b507ed7707
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ac512507ac89c01ed6cd4ca53032f52cdb23ea59
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/dddedfa3b29a63c2ca4336663806a6128b8545b4
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1213acb478a7181cd73eeaf00db430f1e45b1361
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/156012667b85ca7305cb363790d3ae8519a6f41e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3518cea837de4d106efa84ddac18a07b6de1384e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/58fe3bbddfec10c6b216096d8c0e517cd8463e3a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/7059cdb69f8e1a2707dd1e2f363348b507ed7707
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ac512507ac89c01ed6cd4ca53032f52cdb23ea59
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/dddedfa3b29a63c2ca4336663806a6128b8545b4
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2024/06/msg00017.html
