CVE-2024-42130 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's NFC (Near Field Communication) subsystem, specifically within the NCI (NFC Controller Interface) driver. The issue arises from an inconsistency check failure between the input data length and the count parameter in the function nci_rf_intf_activated_ntf_packet(). The vulnerability was discovered when Syzbot, an automated kernel fuzzer, generated a write() system call with mismatched parameters: a data length of 3 bytes and a count value of 15. This mismatch allowed insufficient data to be passed to the function, potentially leading to improper handling of the input buffer. The root cause is that the function did not adequately validate that the data length matched or exceeded the count value, which is critical to prevent buffer overflows or memory corruption. The patch introduced increases the strictness of the comparison between data length and count, ensuring that inconsistent or malformed input data is rejected before processing. This vulnerability is significant because the NFC subsystem operates at the kernel level and handles data from external sources, such as NFC devices or tags. Improper validation could lead to memory corruption, which attackers might exploit to execute arbitrary code, cause denial of service (kernel panic), or escalate privileges. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's presence in the Linux kernel—a widely used operating system kernel in servers, desktops, and embedded devices—makes it a potential target for attackers once exploit code becomes available. The affected versions are identified by specific commit hashes, indicating that the issue is present in certain recent kernel builds prior to the patch. Since the NFC subsystem is often used in mobile devices, embedded systems, and IoT devices running Linux, the vulnerability could have a broad impact across various device types.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-42130 depends largely on their use of Linux systems with NFC capabilities. Enterprises that deploy Linux-based mobile devices, embedded systems, or IoT infrastructure with NFC functionality could face risks of kernel-level compromise. Potential impacts include unauthorized code execution, leading to data breaches or system control loss, and denial of service conditions affecting availability. Critical infrastructure sectors such as transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing, which increasingly rely on NFC-enabled devices for access control, asset tracking, or contactless payments, may be particularly vulnerable. Additionally, organizations using Linux servers or desktops with NFC hardware interfaces could be exposed to targeted attacks exploiting this vulnerability. The lack of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability's nature suggests that once exploit techniques are developed, attacks could escalate rapidly. The kernel-level impact means that successful exploitation could compromise system integrity and confidentiality, undermining trust in affected systems. Given the widespread adoption of Linux across European enterprises and public sector organizations, unpatched systems could become entry points for attackers aiming to disrupt operations or exfiltrate sensitive information.

1. Immediate patching: Apply the latest Linux kernel updates that include the fix for CVE-2024-42130. Monitor official Linux kernel mailing lists and vendor advisories for patches. 2. Disable NFC if not required: For systems where NFC functionality is not essential, disable the NFC subsystem or unload the nci kernel module to eliminate the attack surface. 3. Restrict access: Limit user and process permissions to NFC device interfaces to reduce the risk of unprivileged exploitation. 4. Network segmentation: Isolate NFC-enabled devices within segmented network zones to contain potential compromises. 5. Monitor logs and behavior: Implement enhanced monitoring for kernel logs and unusual NFC subsystem activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6. Vendor coordination: For embedded and IoT devices, coordinate with hardware and software vendors to ensure timely firmware and kernel updates. 7. Incident response readiness: Prepare incident response plans specific to kernel-level compromises and ensure backups and recovery procedures are in place. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on NFC subsystem-specific controls, access restrictions, and proactive monitoring tailored to this vulnerability.