CVE-2024-27410 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's wireless networking subsystem, specifically within the nl80211 interface that manages Wi-Fi device configurations. The issue arises when an interface type (iftype) change is attempted simultaneously with a mesh ID change while the interface is not yet in mesh mode. Under these conditions, the kernel improperly overwrites data within the wdev->u union structure, which holds interface-specific data. This improper overwrite causes the cfg80211_change_iface() function to behave incorrectly during the interface type switch. The vulnerability stems from the kernel allowing a mesh ID to be set at the same time as switching the interface into mesh mode, which leads to inconsistent internal state and potential misconfiguration or instability. The Linux kernel developers have addressed this by disallowing iftype changes when setting a mesh ID concurrently, as there is no known legitimate userspace scenario requiring this operation. This fix prevents the data corruption and the subsequent erroneous behavior in the wireless configuration subsystem. The affected versions include specific Linux kernel commits identified by their hashes, indicating that this vulnerability impacts certain recent kernel builds prior to the patch. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability is technical and low-level, affecting the wireless networking stack's internal state management during interface configuration changes.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-27410 depends largely on their reliance on Linux-based systems for wireless networking, particularly those using mesh networking configurations. Mesh Wi-Fi is commonly used in enterprise environments, public infrastructure, and IoT deployments to provide resilient and scalable wireless coverage. If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to unstable wireless interface behavior, potential denial of service (DoS) conditions, or unexpected network disruptions due to corrupted interface states. While the vulnerability does not directly indicate privilege escalation or remote code execution, the instability could be leveraged by attackers to disrupt network availability or cause failures in critical wireless communications. This is particularly relevant for organizations operating critical infrastructure, public services, or large-scale wireless deployments in Europe. Additionally, since Linux is widely used in servers, embedded devices, and network appliances across Europe, any disruption in wireless networking can affect operational continuity. However, the lack of known exploits and the kernel patch suggest the risk is currently low but should be addressed promptly to prevent future exploitation.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernels to the latest patched versions that include the fix for CVE-2024-27410. Specifically, kernel versions incorporating the commit that disallows simultaneous iftype and mesh ID changes should be deployed. Network administrators should audit their wireless configurations to identify any use of mesh networking interfaces and verify that no custom or legacy scripts attempt to perform the disallowed operation. For embedded or IoT devices running Linux kernels, vendors should be contacted to ensure firmware updates are available and applied. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for unusual wireless interface reconfigurations or failures that could indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Since the vulnerability involves low-level wireless interface state changes, enabling strict configuration management and limiting administrative access to wireless device settings can reduce risk. Finally, organizations should maintain awareness of any emerging exploit reports and apply security advisories promptly.