CVE-2024-36941 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's nl80211 wireless subsystem. The issue arises from improper handling of a NULL pointer dereference when parsing coalescing rules related to Wi-Fi configurations. Specifically, if the parsing of these rules fails, the kernel attempts to free a NULL pointer, leading to a NULL pointer dereference. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-476 (NULL Pointer Dereference), which can cause a denial of service (DoS) by crashing the kernel or causing a system panic. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges (PR:L) and does not require user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning an attacker must have some level of access to the affected system to exploit it. The impact is limited to availability (A:H), with no direct confidentiality or integrity impact. The vulnerability does not appear to have known exploits in the wild at the time of publication. The affected versions are identified by a specific commit hash, indicating it affects certain Linux kernel versions prior to the patch. The vulnerability was published on May 30, 2024, and the CVSS v3.1 score is 5.5, reflecting a medium severity level. This vulnerability could be triggered by an attacker with local access to the system's wireless configuration interface, potentially causing a kernel crash and resulting in denial of service. This could disrupt network connectivity and system availability, particularly on devices relying heavily on Wi-Fi connectivity and running vulnerable Linux kernel versions.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-36941 is the potential for denial of service on Linux-based systems that manage Wi-Fi connections using the affected kernel versions. This could lead to temporary loss of network connectivity, impacting business operations that depend on wireless networking. Critical infrastructure, enterprises with large Linux server deployments, and organizations using embedded Linux devices (such as IoT or industrial control systems) could experience service interruptions. While the vulnerability does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, the availability impact could disrupt services, especially in sectors like telecommunications, manufacturing, and public services where Linux is prevalent. Additionally, organizations with remote or hybrid workforces relying on Wi-Fi-enabled Linux devices might face operational challenges if devices become unresponsive or require rebooting. Given the local attack vector, exploitation is more likely in environments where attackers have some level of access, such as compromised internal networks or through malicious insiders. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for prompt remediation.

To mitigate CVE-2024-36941, European organizations should: 1) Identify and inventory all Linux systems, especially those running kernel versions corresponding to the affected commit hash. 2) Apply the latest Linux kernel patches or updates that address this vulnerability as soon as they become available from trusted Linux distributions or kernel maintainers. 3) Restrict local access to critical systems by enforcing strict access controls, limiting user privileges, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. 4) Implement network segmentation to isolate sensitive systems and reduce the risk of local exploitation. 5) Monitor system logs and kernel messages for signs of crashes or unusual behavior related to the nl80211 subsystem. 6) For embedded or IoT devices running Linux, coordinate with vendors to obtain patched firmware or kernel updates. 7) Educate system administrators and security teams about the vulnerability to ensure rapid detection and response. 8) Consider deploying host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) that can alert on kernel crashes or suspicious activity related to wireless subsystem operations. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, monitoring, and vendor coordination specific to the Linux kernel wireless subsystem.