CVE-2024-26930 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the SCSI driver module qla2xxx, which handles QLogic Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters. The issue involves a double free condition of the pointer ha->vp_map. This pointer is freed once in the function qla2x00_mem_alloc() and then erroneously freed again in qla2x00_mem_free(ha). Double free vulnerabilities occur when a program attempts to release the same memory location twice, which can lead to undefined behavior including memory corruption, system crashes, or potentially arbitrary code execution if exploited. The vulnerability was detected through a Coverity static code analysis scan, which flagged the risk of this double free. The fix implemented involves assigning NULL to the vp_map pointer after freeing it, ensuring that subsequent calls to kfree safely handle the NULL pointer without attempting a second free. This correction prevents the double free condition and stabilizes memory management within the driver. The affected versions are identified by specific commit hashes, indicating the vulnerability exists in certain Linux kernel builds prior to the patch. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. However, the vulnerability is significant due to its potential to cause kernel-level memory corruption, which could be leveraged for privilege escalation or denial of service attacks if combined with other vulnerabilities or attacker capabilities.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-26930 primarily concerns systems running Linux kernels with the vulnerable qla2xxx driver enabled, typically found in enterprise environments utilizing QLogic Fibre Channel HBAs for storage networking. Exploitation could lead to kernel crashes causing denial of service, disrupting critical services and data availability. In worst-case scenarios, attackers might leverage the memory corruption to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code at the kernel level, compromising system integrity and confidentiality. This is particularly critical for sectors relying heavily on Linux-based infrastructure for data centers, cloud services, and storage solutions, such as finance, telecommunications, healthcare, and government agencies. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability’s presence in widely deployed Linux kernels means that unpatched systems remain at risk. Given the strategic importance of data integrity and availability in European organizations, especially under stringent regulations like GDPR, the vulnerability poses a notable threat if left unmitigated.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernels to versions where this vulnerability is patched. Specifically, they should apply the latest stable kernel releases or vendor-provided updates that include the fix for CVE-2024-26930. For environments where immediate patching is challenging, organizations should audit their systems to identify the presence of the qla2xxx driver and assess whether it is actively used. Disabling or unloading the qla2xxx module temporarily can reduce exposure. Additionally, implementing kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR), and enabling memory protection features like Kernel Page Table Isolation (KPTI) can mitigate exploitation risks. Monitoring system logs for unusual crashes or memory errors related to the qla2xxx driver can help detect attempted exploitation. Organizations should also ensure that access to systems running vulnerable kernels is tightly controlled, limiting potential attacker footholds. Finally, integrating this vulnerability into vulnerability management and incident response workflows will ensure timely detection and remediation.