CVE-2024-43881
📋 TL;DR
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ath12k WiFi driver incorrectly maps DMA direction for reassembled fragmented packets, potentially allowing information disclosure. Attackers could exploit this to leak sensitive kernel memory contents. Systems using affected ath12k WiFi hardware with vulnerable kernel versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with ath12k WiFi 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel memory disclosure leading to potential privilege escalation or complete system compromise through subsequent exploits.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of kernel memory contents, potentially exposing sensitive data or system state.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper network segmentation and restricted WiFi access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires WiFi access and ability to send fragmented packets to trigger the vulnerable code path.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits 33322e3ef074, 6925320fcd40, or e99d9b16ff15
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/33322e3ef07409278a18c6919c448e369d66a18e
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify ath12k driver is updated.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable ath12k WiFi
linuxTemporarily disable the vulnerable ath12k WiFi interface
sudo ip link set wlan0 down
sudo modprobe -r ath12k
Use alternative WiFi hardware
linuxSwitch to different WiFi hardware not using ath12k driver
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict WiFi network access to trusted devices only
- Implement network segmentation to isolate WiFi networks from sensitive systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if ath12k module is loaded: 'uname -r' and 'lsmod | grep ath12k'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is after fix commits and ath12k driver is functioning normally📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages related to ath12k
- WiFi driver crash logs
- Unusual DMA-related errors
Network Indicators:
- Abnormal fragmented WiFi packet patterns
- Unexpected memory access patterns from WiFi interface
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("ath12k" OR "DMA" OR "fragment") AND ("error" OR "panic" OR "oops")