CVE-2024-57990
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an off-by-one vulnerability in the mt7925 WiFi driver in the Linux kernel that could allow an attacker with local access to cause an out-of-bounds read/write. The vulnerability affects systems using MediaTek MT7925 WiFi chips with vulnerable kernel versions. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges or crash the system.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with MediaTek MT7925 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 →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, kernel memory corruption, or system crash/DoS.
Likely Case
Kernel panic or system crash requiring reboot, potentially leading to denial of service.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched or if the vulnerable driver module is not loaded.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and knowledge of kernel exploitation techniques. No public exploit available at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel versions containing the stable commits listed in references
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/08fa656c91fd5fdf47ba393795b9c0d1e97539ed
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. For distributions: Use package manager to update kernel package. 3. Rebuild kernel if using custom kernel. 4. No reboot required if using kernel live patching.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable mt7925 WiFi module
allPrevent loading of vulnerable driver module
echo 'blacklist mt7925e' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-mt7925.conf
rmmod mt7925e
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local access to systems using principle of least privilege
- Implement kernel module signing and secure boot to prevent unauthorized module loading
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if mt7925e module is loaded: lsmod | grep mt7925e. Check kernel version against patched versions.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits. Check dmesg for any mt7925-related errors after driver usage.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages in dmesg
- System crashes/panics related to mt76 or mt7925 driver
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected WiFi disconnections on affected hardware
SIEM Query:
search 'kernel: BUG:' OR 'kernel: Oops:' OR 'mt7925' in system logs