CVE-2024-39282 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel specifically affecting the wwan (Wireless Wide Area Network) driver for the MediaTek t7xx series modems. The issue arises from improper handling of asynchronous command processing within the driver. When the driver processes an internal state change command, it uses an asynchronous thread to handle the operation. If the main thread detects a timeout on this task and releases the completion object, the asynchronous thread may still attempt to notify completion using this now-released object. This results in a kernel panic triggered by a page fault due to dereferencing an invalid memory address. The panic trace indicates the fault occurs in the complete_all() function, which is called by the asynchronous FSM (Finite State Machine) main thread of the mtk_t7xx driver. The root cause is a race condition between the main thread and the asynchronous thread leading to use-after-free of the completion object. The suggested fix involves using a reference counter to safely manage the lifecycle of the completion object, preventing premature release and subsequent invalid access. This vulnerability can cause system instability and denial of service due to kernel panics. While no known exploits are reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions containing the vulnerable commit (indicated by the provided commit hash). The issue is particularly relevant for systems using MediaTek t7xx modems, commonly found in embedded devices, IoT gateways, and some mobile broadband-enabled Linux systems. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but depends on the driver processing specific internal commands that can timeout, making exploitation feasible in affected environments.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-39282 primarily involves potential denial of service (DoS) conditions on Linux systems using MediaTek t7xx modems. This could affect network connectivity and system availability, especially in environments relying on mobile broadband for critical communications such as remote offices, industrial IoT deployments, and mobile workforce devices. The kernel panic caused by this vulnerability can lead to unexpected system reboots or crashes, disrupting business operations and potentially causing data loss if systems are not properly hardened or if critical applications are running. Organizations in sectors such as telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation, and public services that deploy embedded Linux devices with these modems may face operational risks. Additionally, while no direct privilege escalation or remote code execution is indicated, persistent DoS can be leveraged as part of a broader attack strategy to degrade service or distract security teams. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but patching is critical to prevent future exploitation as the vulnerability is publicly disclosed.

1. Apply the official Linux kernel patches that address CVE-2024-39282 as soon as they become available, ensuring the MediaTek t7xx driver is updated to the fixed version with proper reference counting for completion objects. 2. For organizations using custom or embedded Linux distributions, coordinate with vendors or maintainers to integrate the patch into firmware and kernel updates promptly. 3. Monitor kernel logs for signs of the described panic or page faults related to the mtk_t7xx driver to detect potential exploitation attempts or instability. 4. Implement robust system monitoring and automated recovery mechanisms (e.g., watchdog timers) to minimize downtime caused by kernel panics. 5. Where feasible, limit exposure by restricting access to devices with MediaTek t7xx modems to trusted networks and users, reducing the attack surface. 6. Conduct thorough testing of updated kernels in staging environments to ensure stability before wide deployment. 7. Maintain an inventory of Linux devices with MediaTek t7xx modems to prioritize patching and risk management efforts. 8. Engage with hardware vendors for firmware updates that may complement kernel patches and improve overall device resilience.