CVE-2024-27052 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's rtl8xxxu wireless driver. The issue arises from improper handling of workqueue synchronization during the stopping of the driver. Specifically, the driver fails to call cancel_work_sync() in the rtl8xxxu_stop() function, which can result in a use-after-free condition. This means that the workqueue task (c2hcmd_work) might still be executing or scheduled when the driver is stopped, leading to potential access of freed memory. Such use-after-free vulnerabilities can be exploited to cause arbitrary code execution, kernel memory corruption, or system crashes, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The vulnerability is tracked under CWE-416 (Use After Free) and has a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.4, indicating high severity. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring high attack complexity (AC:H), no privileges (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits are reported in the wild yet. The vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions identified by the commit hash e542e66b7c2ee2adeefdbb7f259f2f60cadf2819. The fix involves adding cancel_work_sync() to ensure the workqueue is properly cancelled before the driver stops, preventing use-after-free conditions. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for systems using the rtl8xxxu driver, which supports Realtek 802.11n USB wireless devices.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially to those relying on Linux-based systems with Realtek rtl8xxxu wireless drivers, common in many laptops, embedded devices, and network appliances. Exploitation could allow attackers with local access to execute arbitrary code at the kernel level, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of critical services. This is particularly concerning for sectors with high security requirements such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means sensitive data could be exposed or altered, and systems could be rendered inoperable. Since the attack vector is local, the threat is more relevant in environments where untrusted users have physical or remote shell access, such as multi-user systems, shared workstations, or compromised internal networks. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, as attackers may develop exploits given the public disclosure. Organizations using Linux distributions that include the vulnerable kernel versions need to prioritize patching to mitigate potential exploitation.

1. Immediate application of kernel updates or patches from Linux distribution vendors that include the fix for CVE-2024-27052 is critical. Verify that the rtl8xxxu driver has been updated to include cancel_work_sync() in rtl8xxxu_stop(). 2. For systems where patching is delayed, consider disabling or unloading the rtl8xxxu driver if wireless connectivity is not essential, to reduce attack surface. 3. Restrict local access to trusted users only and enforce strict user privilege separation to minimize the risk of local exploitation. 4. Monitor system logs and kernel messages for unusual activity related to wireless drivers or workqueue operations that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Employ host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) capable of detecting anomalous kernel behavior or memory corruption. 6. For critical environments, consider network segmentation to limit the ability of attackers to gain local access to vulnerable systems. 7. Maintain up-to-date inventories of hardware and software to quickly identify systems using the rtl8xxxu driver and prioritize remediation. 8. Educate system administrators and security teams about the vulnerability to ensure timely response and patch management.