CVE-2024-38562
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds array indexing vulnerability in the Linux kernel's nl80211 WiFi subsystem. Attackers could potentially exploit this to cause kernel crashes or execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. All Linux systems using affected kernel versions with WiFi capabilities are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel
📦 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash or local privilege escalation allowing full system compromise.
Likely Case
Kernel crash causing denial of service or system instability.
If Mitigated
Minor performance impact or warning messages if bounds checking catches the issue.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and knowledge of kernel exploitation techniques.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patches available in stable kernel trees (commits referenced in CVE)
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4e2a5566462b53db7d4c4722da86eedf0b8f546c
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution's repositories. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WiFi interfaces
linuxTemporarily disable WiFi functionality to prevent exploitation
sudo ip link set wlan0 down
sudo rfkill block wifi
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems with WiFi capabilities
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for suspicious kernel module activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and compare with patched versions from your distribution's security advisoriesCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version after update matches patched version and system remains stable during WiFi operations📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- Out of bounds warnings in kernel logs
- System crashes during WiFi operations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual WiFi interface behavior
- Failed WiFi connection attempts
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "out of bounds" OR "nl80211")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4e2a5566462b53db7d4c4722da86eedf0b8f546c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/838c7b8f1f278404d9d684c34a8cb26dc41aaaa1
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8fa4d56564ee7cc2ee348258d88efe191d70dd7f
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ed74398642fcb19f6ff385c35a7d512c6663e17b
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4e2a5566462b53db7d4c4722da86eedf0b8f546c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/838c7b8f1f278404d9d684c34a8cb26dc41aaaa1
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8fa4d56564ee7cc2ee348258d88efe191d70dd7f
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ed74398642fcb19f6ff385c35a7d512c6663e17b
