CVE-2023-52769 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's ath12k wireless driver, specifically related to the handling of the HTT (Host Target Transport) MLO (Multi-Link Operation) offset event. The ath12k driver manages Qualcomm Atheros 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) chipsets. The vulnerability arises because the active physical devices (pdevs) in the ath12k driver are protected by Read-Copy-Update (RCU) synchronization mechanisms, but the code handling the HTT MLO-offset event, which calls ath12k_mac_get_ar_by_pdev_id(), was not properly marked as an RCU read-side critical section. This omission can lead to a use-after-free condition, where the code accesses memory that has already been freed, potentially causing kernel crashes or enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges. The fix involves marking the relevant code as an RCU read-side critical section to ensure proper synchronization and prevent use-after-free issues. This vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions containing the vulnerable commit (d889913205cf7ebda905b1e62c5867ed4e39f6c2) and impacts systems using the ath12k driver for Wi-Fi connectivity. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and the vulnerability was identified and patched in May 2024. The vulnerability is technical and low-level, requiring kernel-level access or the ability to trigger the vulnerable code path through Wi-Fi operations, which may limit exploitation scenarios but still poses a risk to system stability and security.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could impact any systems running vulnerable Linux kernels with the ath12k driver enabled, particularly those using Qualcomm Atheros Wi-Fi 6 chipsets. The potential impacts include system instability due to kernel crashes, denial of service, and in worst cases, privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution within the kernel context. This could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. Organizations relying on Linux-based infrastructure, including servers, embedded devices, and network equipment with affected Wi-Fi hardware, may face increased risk. The vulnerability could be exploited locally or remotely if an attacker can interact with the Wi-Fi interface, potentially allowing lateral movement or persistence within a network. Given the widespread use of Linux in European enterprises, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure, unpatched systems could be targeted to disrupt operations or gain unauthorized access. However, the lack of known exploits and the technical complexity of exploitation somewhat reduce immediate risk but do not eliminate it.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernels to versions that include the patch for CVE-2023-52769. Specifically, they should ensure that all systems using Qualcomm Atheros ath12k Wi-Fi chipsets are running patched kernels. Network administrators should audit their device inventories to identify affected hardware and verify kernel versions. For embedded or specialized devices where kernel updates are less frequent, vendors should be contacted for firmware or driver updates. Additionally, organizations should monitor network traffic for unusual Wi-Fi activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. Implementing strict network segmentation and limiting access to Wi-Fi interfaces can reduce attack surfaces. Employing host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) that monitor kernel integrity and unusual system calls may help detect exploitation attempts. Finally, maintain regular backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential compromises.