CVE-2024-44997
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's MediaTek Wireless Ethernet Driver (mtk_wed) allows local attackers to cause kernel panic and system crashes. This affects Linux systems with MT798X chipsets when multiple access point interfaces are configured with WED enabled. The vulnerability requires local access to trigger.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with MediaTek Wireless Ethernet Driver (mtk_wed)
📦 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local privilege escalation leading to full system compromise via kernel memory corruption, though this requires additional exploitation techniques beyond the demonstrated crash.
Likely Case
Local denial of service through kernel panic and system crash when turning down network interfaces with specific configurations.
If Mitigated
Limited to denial of service if proper access controls prevent local users from manipulating network interfaces.
🎯 Exploit Status
Triggering the crash is straightforward for local users with appropriate permissions, but achieving privilege escalation would require additional exploitation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel stable releases containing commits 326a89321f9d5fe399fe6f9ff7c0fc766582a6a0, b453a4bbda03aa8741279c360ac82d1c3ac33548, or db1b4bedb9b97c6d34b03d03815147c04fffe8b4
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/326a89321f9d5fe399fe6f9ff7c0fc766582a6a0
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution's repositories. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify kernel version matches patched release.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WED functionality
linuxPrevent use of Wireless Ethernet Dispatcher feature on MT798X chipsets
echo 0 > /sys/kernel/debug/ieee80211/phy0/mtk_wed_enable
Restrict network interface management
linuxLimit which users can bring network interfaces up/down
chmod 750 /sbin/ip
chmod 750 /sbin/ifconfig
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent local users from manipulating network interfaces
- Monitor system logs for kernel panic events and investigate any unauthorized interface changes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if system uses MT798X chipset and has WED enabled: 'dmesg | grep -i mtk_wed' and 'cat /sys/kernel/debug/ieee80211/phy*/mtk_wed_enable'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Check kernel version includes patched commits: 'uname -r' and verify with distribution's security advisories📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages mentioning mtk_wed_setup_tc_block_cb
- Call trace showing use-after-free at virtual address
- System crash/reboot events following network interface changes
Network Indicators:
- Sudden loss of network connectivity on affected interfaces
SIEM Query:
event_type:kernel_panic AND message:*mtk_wed* OR event_type:system_reboot AND user:network_admin