Welcome to an important update from LinuxPatch, where we provide insights and detailed explanations about various cybersecurity issues affecting the Linux community. Today, we're discussing a recently resolved issue identified by CVE-2024-46860, which concerns a specific weakness in the Linux kernel. This disclosure aims to bring clarity and actionable information to our customers, helping enhance security and awareness.
The CVE-2024-46860 refers to a problem within the "wifi: mt76: mt7921" driver in the Linux kernel, specifically involving a function called mt7921_ipv6_addr_change(). This function is triggered when the WiFi is disabled, at which point the notifier function tries to access a NULL pointer, leading to potential system instability or security risks. The presence of this bug is significant because it directly affects the wireless communication set up on devices running the Linux kernel, making it crucial for anyone using this environment to understand the impact and the solution.
With a severity rating of MEDIUM and a CVSS score of 5.5, CVE-2024-46860 poses an intermediate threat, meaning it could potentially impact system availability but is not as threatening to data integrity or confidentiality. This type of issue is especially concerning in environments where continuous network availability is critical, such as in server setups or connected IoT devices operating on Linux platforms.
This vulnerability specifically affects systems running the Linux Kernel, particularly those utilizing the mt7921 WiFi driver, a part of MediaTek's mt76 driver family for Linux. The WiFi driver is crucial for enabling wireless network capabilities in various devices, making this vulnerability relevant for a wide range of users, from individual consumers to large enterprises using Linux-based systems.
A patch for CVE-2024-46860 has been developed and released, resolving the NULL pointer dereference issue. The fix ensures that the mvif->phy pointer is checked for nullity before it is accessed, thereby preventing the system from trying to use a non-existent pointer. The update is part of the latest kernel patches and should be applied without delay to keep your systems secure.
We highly recommend that all users of affected Linux distributions review their systems to determine if they are running the vulnerable version of the mt7921 driver. Upgrade to the latest Linux Kernel release or apply the patch provided to address this issue. For LinuxPatch users, ensure that your system is set to receive automatic updates, or check with your system administrator to confirm that patches are applied promptly.
Understanding CVE notifications and responding accordingly is crucial for maintaining the security of your systems. CVE-2024-46860, while ranked medium in severity, underlines the importance of regular system updates and vigilance in the cybersecurity landscape. By staying informed and proactive, you can safeguard your systems against potential vulnerabilities effectively.
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