CVE-2024-49928
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the Linux kernel's rtw89 WiFi driver. Attackers could potentially read kernel memory beyond intended boundaries, leading to information disclosure or system crashes. This affects Linux systems using the rtw89 driver for Realtek WiFi chipsets.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with rtw89 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 privilege escalation or system compromise through information leakage about kernel structures.
Likely Case
System instability, kernel panic, or denial of service through corrupted memory reads.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to the specific nature of the vulnerability affecting only TX power firmware loading in the rtw89 driver.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access or ability to interact with WiFi subsystem. No public exploits known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits 4007c3d2da31d0c755ea3fcf55e395118e5d5621, 83c84cdb75572048b67d6a3916283aeac865996e, or ed2e4bb17a4884cf29c3347353d8aabb7265b46c
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4007c3d2da31d0c755ea3fcf55e395118e5d5621
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify rtw89 driver is updated.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable rtw89 driver
linuxBlacklist or disable the rtw89 driver to prevent loading
echo 'blacklist rtw89_core' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-rtw89.conf
update-initramfs -u
reboot
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable WiFi or use alternative WiFi hardware not requiring rtw89 driver
- Implement strict access controls to prevent local users from interacting with WiFi subsystem
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if rtw89 module is loaded: lsmod | grep rtw89Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is patched and rtw89 module version matches patched kernel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages
- System crashes during WiFi operations
- dmesg errors related to rtw89
Network Indicators:
- Unusual WiFi disconnections
- WiFi interface instability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("rtw89" OR "oops" OR "general protection fault")