CVE-2024-56604
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth RFCOMM implementation. When rfcomm_dlc_alloc() fails during socket allocation, a dangling pointer remains in the sock object, potentially leading to memory corruption. This affects Linux systems with Bluetooth enabled.
💻 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 memory corruption leading to system crash, privilege escalation, or remote code execution as root.
Likely Case
System instability, kernel panic, or denial of service affecting Bluetooth functionality.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if Bluetooth is disabled or restricted to trusted networks.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires Bluetooth proximity and triggering the specific allocation failure condition.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in Linux kernel stable versions referenced in git commits (e.g., 32df687e129ef0f9afcbcc914f7c32deb28fd481)
Vendor Advisory: https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/03/msg00001.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution's repository. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Bluetooth
linuxCompletely disable Bluetooth functionality to prevent exploitation.
sudo systemctl disable bluetooth
sudo systemctl stop bluetooth
sudo rfkill block bluetooth
Restrict Bluetooth Access
linuxLimit Bluetooth connections to trusted devices only.
sudo btmgmt power off
Configure Bluetooth settings to non-discoverable mode
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Bluetooth services entirely on affected systems
- Implement network segmentation to isolate Bluetooth-enabled devices
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and compare with patched versions from distribution advisories.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version after update matches patched version and Bluetooth functions normally.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Bluetooth service crashes
- System instability after Bluetooth operations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual Bluetooth connection attempts
- RFCOMM protocol anomalies
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "oops") AND "bluetooth"🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/32df687e129ef0f9afcbcc914f7c32deb28fd481
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3945c799f12b8d1f49a3b48369ca494d981ac465
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6021ccc2471b7b95e29b7cfc7938e042bf56e281
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ac3eaac4cf142a15fe67be747a682b1416efeb6e
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/03/msg00001.html
