CVE-2024-58015
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ath12k WiFi driver allows an attacker to cause out-of-bounds memory access by exploiting a buffer size calculation error. It affects systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions with the ath12k driver enabled. The vulnerability could lead to system crashes or potential privilege escalation.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with ath12k 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic, system crash, or potential privilege escalation leading to full system compromise.
Likely Case
System instability, crashes, or denial of service affecting WiFi functionality.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper kernel hardening and isolation mechanisms in place.
🎯 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: Linux kernel with commits 8700c4bf8b7ed98037d2acf1eaf770ad6dd431d4 and eb8c0534713865d190856f10bfc97cf0b88475b1
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8700c4bf8b7ed98037d2acf1eaf770ad6dd431d4
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 for live kernel updates if supported.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable ath12k driver
allUnload the vulnerable ath12k driver module if not needed
sudo modprobe -r ath12k
Blacklist ath12k module
allPrevent ath12k driver from loading at boot
echo 'blacklist ath12k' | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/ath12k-blacklist.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical and network access to systems with vulnerable driver
- Implement strict WiFi client authentication and monitoring
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if ath12k module is loaded: lsmod | grep ath12k AND check kernel version against patched versionsCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits: grep -q '8700c4bf8b7ed98037d2acf1eaf770ad6dd431d4\|eb8c0534713865d190856f10bfc97cf0b88475b1' /proc/version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages
- System crashes related to ath12k
- WiFi driver errors in dmesg
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected WiFi disconnections
- Abnormal WiFi interface behavior
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("ath12k" OR "out of bounds" OR "general protection fault")