CVE-2024-26825 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's NFC (Near Field Communication) subsystem, specifically within the NCI (NFC Controller Interface) driver. The issue arises from improper handling of the rx_data_reassembly socket buffer (skb), which is used to process fragmented NFC packets during data exchange. Normally, this skb is retained until the last fragment is processed or an NCI notification packet with the opcode NCI_OP_RF_DEACTIVATE_NTF is received, signaling the end of a data exchange session. However, the vulnerability occurs because the NCI device may be deallocated before the skb is properly freed, leading to a memory leak. This happens because the skb is bound to the lifecycle of the NCI device, and there is no mechanism preventing the device from being freed prematurely. The Linux Verification Center discovered this flaw using Syzkaller, a kernel fuzzing tool. The fix involves ensuring that the rx_data_reassembly skb is explicitly freed during the NCI device cleanup process, preventing resource leakage. Although this vulnerability does not directly allow code execution or privilege escalation, the memory leak could potentially be exploited in scenarios where an attacker can repeatedly trigger device deallocations, leading to resource exhaustion and denial of service (DoS). The affected versions are specific Linux kernel commits identified by their hashes, indicating that this is a recent and targeted fix in the kernel source. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date (April 17, 2024).

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-26825 lies in potential denial of service conditions on systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions with NFC capabilities enabled. This could affect devices and infrastructure relying on NFC for authentication, access control, or payment systems, which are increasingly common in sectors such as transportation, retail, and secure facility management. Memory leaks, while not immediately exploitable for remote code execution, can degrade system stability and availability over time, especially in high-load environments or where NFC devices are frequently connected and disconnected. This could lead to service interruptions or require unplanned maintenance, impacting operational continuity. Additionally, organizations with strict uptime and security requirements, such as financial institutions or critical infrastructure operators, may face increased risk if attackers leverage this vulnerability to induce system instability. Since NFC is often used in mobile and embedded devices, the impact could extend to endpoint devices used by employees or customers, potentially affecting user experience and trust. However, the lack of known exploits and the requirement for specific NFC device interactions limit the immediate risk to confidentiality or integrity of data.

To mitigate CVE-2024-26825, European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest patched versions that include the fix for this vulnerability. This involves tracking kernel updates from trusted sources and applying them promptly, especially on systems utilizing NFC functionality. System administrators should audit their environments to identify devices and systems with NFC enabled and assess their exposure. Disabling NFC functionality on systems where it is not required can reduce the attack surface. For systems where NFC is critical, implementing monitoring to detect abnormal device deallocation patterns or resource exhaustion symptoms can provide early warning signs of exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should incorporate this vulnerability into their vulnerability management and incident response processes, ensuring that any unusual system behavior related to NFC devices is investigated. Testing updates in controlled environments before wide deployment can prevent unintended disruptions. Finally, collaborating with hardware and software vendors to ensure compatibility and support for patched kernels will facilitate smoother mitigation efforts.