CVE-2024-38562 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's wireless networking subsystem, specifically within the nl80211 interface that manages Wi-Fi device configuration. The flaw stems from improper handling of array bounds when accessing the request->channels[] array. The vulnerability arises because the kernel code attempts address calculations using out-of-bounds indexing on the channels array before the request->n_channels value is properly set. This leads to potential out-of-bounds memory access, which can cause runtime warnings and may be exploitable to corrupt memory. The root cause is a classic CWE-129 (Improper Validation of Array Index) issue, where the code does not correctly validate array indices before use. The fix involves ensuring that request->n_channels is set before accessing the channels array and that address calculations for memory beyond the channels array are based on the allocation base pointer (request) rather than an invalid channels index. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8, indicating high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). This means an attacker with local access and limited privileges could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service by corrupting kernel memory. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature and impact make it a significant risk. The affected versions correspond to specific Linux kernel commits identified by their hashes, implying the issue is present in recent kernel versions prior to the patch. Since nl80211 is widely used in Linux-based systems for Wi-Fi management, this vulnerability potentially affects a broad range of devices running Linux kernels with the vulnerable code, including servers, desktops, embedded systems, and network appliances.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a considerable risk due to the widespread use of Linux in enterprise environments, including critical infrastructure, telecommunications, cloud services, and industrial control systems. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, allowing attackers to gain kernel-level control, compromise system confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and potentially pivot within networks. This is particularly concerning for sectors with stringent data protection requirements under GDPR and critical infrastructure operators subject to NIS2 directive mandates. The local attack vector means that attackers need some level of access, which could be achieved through compromised user accounts, insider threats, or chaining with other vulnerabilities to gain initial footholds. The high impact on all security properties (confidentiality, integrity, availability) could lead to data breaches, service outages, and loss of trust. Given the role of Linux in European telecommunications and cloud providers, exploitation could disrupt essential services. Additionally, embedded Linux devices in industrial and IoT deployments across Europe could be targeted, potentially affecting manufacturing and smart city infrastructure.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel versions to the patched releases that address CVE-2024-38562 as soon as they become available. Since the vulnerability requires local access, organizations should also strengthen internal access controls and monitoring to detect unusual local activity. Specific recommendations include: 1) Deploy kernel updates promptly across all Linux systems, including servers, desktops, embedded devices, and network appliances. 2) Audit and restrict local user privileges to minimize the risk of exploitation by low-privilege users. 3) Implement robust endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous kernel-level behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 4) Conduct internal network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a local compromise occurs. 5) For embedded and IoT devices, coordinate with vendors to obtain patched firmware or kernel versions and apply updates. 6) Employ strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized local access to critical systems. 7) Monitor system logs and kernel warnings for signs of out-of-bounds memory access or crashes related to nl80211. 8) Incorporate this vulnerability into incident response plans and threat hunting activities to quickly identify and remediate potential exploitation.