CVE-2024-36922 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's wireless driver subsystem, specifically within the iwlwifi driver responsible for Intel wireless network cards. The issue arises from improper synchronization when accessing the txq->read_ptr variable, which tracks the read pointer in the transmit queue. The vulnerability occurs because txq->read_ptr is read without acquiring the necessary lock, leading to a race condition where the same value can be read twice. This results in the driver reclaiming the same transmit queue entry twice, which triggers a WARN_ONCE() kernel warning and indicates inconsistent internal state management. The root cause is a failure to enforce locking discipline during pointer reads, which can cause data structure corruption or unexpected behavior in the wireless transmission queue. The fix involves ensuring that txq->read_ptr is always read while holding the appropriate lock, preventing concurrent access issues and maintaining queue integrity. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the vulnerability could potentially lead to kernel instability or denial of service (DoS) conditions due to corrupted queue management. Since this affects the Linux kernel's wireless driver, it impacts any Linux-based system using affected versions of the iwlwifi driver, which is common in many laptops, desktops, and embedded devices with Intel Wi-Fi hardware. The vulnerability was published on May 30, 2024, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-36922 primarily concerns system stability and availability. Since the vulnerability can cause kernel warnings and potentially lead to system crashes or wireless connectivity disruptions, critical infrastructure relying on Linux systems with Intel wireless hardware could experience network outages or degraded performance. This is particularly relevant for sectors such as telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and government agencies where reliable wireless connectivity is essential. While the vulnerability does not appear to allow privilege escalation or remote code execution directly, the resulting denial of service could be exploited as part of a broader attack chain to disrupt operations. Additionally, organizations with large Linux deployments in office environments or remote work setups may face increased support costs and operational interruptions if affected devices experience instability. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the widespread use of Linux and Intel Wi-Fi devices in Europe means that unpatched systems remain vulnerable to potential future exploitation or accidental crashes.

To mitigate CVE-2024-36922, European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest patched version that includes the fix for this vulnerability. Specifically, ensure that distributions or kernel builds incorporate the corrected iwlwifi driver code that reads txq->read_ptr under lock. System administrators should audit their Linux systems to identify those using Intel wireless hardware and verify kernel versions. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, consider temporarily disabling the affected wireless interfaces or using alternative network adapters until updates can be applied. Monitoring kernel logs for WARN_ONCE() messages related to iwlwifi can help detect attempts to trigger this issue. Additionally, organizations should maintain robust incident response procedures to quickly address any wireless connectivity issues or system crashes. Network segmentation and limiting access to critical Linux systems can reduce the risk of exploitation as part of multi-stage attacks. Finally, coordinate with Linux distribution vendors and hardware manufacturers to receive timely updates and advisories.