CVE-2024-42141 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth ISO (Isochronous Channels) subsystem. The issue arises from improper handling of a socket flag check in the iso_sock_recvmsg() function within the net/bluetooth/iso.c source file. Specifically, the vulnerability is due to an incorrect assumption that the pointer pi->conn->hcon (representing the HCI connection) could never be NULL during certain socket operations. The flawed code attempts to dereference this pointer without a proper NULL check, which can lead to a use-after-free or null pointer dereference scenario. This can cause the kernel to crash or behave unpredictably, potentially leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability was detected by the Smatch static analysis tool, which flagged the unsafe dereference of pi->conn->hcon. The patch involves changing the code to check the socket flag rather than the hcon pointer directly, ensuring that the pointer is valid before use. The affected Linux kernel versions include specific commits identified by their hashes, indicating that this is a recent and targeted fix. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability impacts the Bluetooth ISO subsystem, which is used for isochronous data transmission over Bluetooth, commonly leveraged in audio streaming and other time-sensitive Bluetooth applications.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-42141 primarily revolves around potential denial of service conditions on Linux systems utilizing Bluetooth ISO channels. This could affect devices such as Linux-based IoT gateways, embedded systems, and servers that rely on Bluetooth for audio or other isochronous data streams. A successful exploitation could cause kernel crashes, leading to system downtime and disruption of critical services, especially in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is integral to operations (e.g., healthcare devices, manufacturing automation, or telecommunication infrastructure). While the vulnerability does not appear to allow privilege escalation or remote code execution directly, the resulting instability could be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain or cause operational interruptions. Given the widespread use of Linux in European enterprises, public sector, and industrial control systems, the vulnerability poses a moderate risk. However, the lack of known exploits and the requirement for local access or Bluetooth interaction reduces the likelihood of widespread exploitation. Organizations with Bluetooth-enabled Linux devices should be aware of this vulnerability to prevent potential service disruptions.

To mitigate CVE-2024-42141, European organizations should: 1) Apply the latest Linux kernel patches that address this vulnerability as soon as they become available from trusted Linux distributions or upstream sources. 2) Audit and inventory Linux systems that utilize Bluetooth ISO channels, particularly those involved in critical operations or exposed to untrusted Bluetooth devices. 3) Limit Bluetooth exposure by disabling Bluetooth ISO functionality on systems where it is not required. 4) Implement strict access controls and monitoring on systems with Bluetooth capabilities to detect unusual Bluetooth activity or kernel crashes. 5) Employ kernel crash monitoring and automated recovery mechanisms to reduce downtime in case of exploitation. 6) For embedded or IoT devices, coordinate with vendors to ensure timely firmware updates incorporating the patch. 7) Educate system administrators about the risks of Bluetooth-based kernel vulnerabilities and encourage cautious use of Bluetooth peripherals in sensitive environments.