CVE-2024-50235 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Wi-Fi configuration subsystem, specifically within the cfg80211 component responsible for wireless device management. The issue arises from improper handling of the wdev->cqm_config pointer during the unregistration of a wireless device (wdev). When a wireless device is unregistered, the kernel frees the memory allocated to wdev->cqm_config but fails to clear the pointer afterward. This oversight leads to a scenario where the same wireless device or network device (netdev) can be re-registered in a different network namespace and subsequently destroyed again. During this second destruction, the kernel attempts to free the already freed wdev->cqm_config pointer, causing a double-free condition. Double-free vulnerabilities can lead to memory corruption, which attackers might exploit to execute arbitrary code, cause denial of service (system crashes), or escalate privileges within the affected system. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the nature of this vulnerability in a core kernel component that manages wireless devices makes it a significant concern, especially for systems heavily reliant on Wi-Fi connectivity and network namespaces. The affected versions include several recent Linux kernel commits, indicating that this vulnerability impacts multiple kernel versions before the patch was applied. The vulnerability was published on November 9, 2024, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-50235 can be substantial, particularly for enterprises and service providers that depend on Linux-based infrastructure with wireless capabilities. Exploitation could allow attackers to cause system instability or crashes (denial of service), potentially disrupting critical business operations. More severe exploitation could lead to privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution, compromising confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data. Organizations utilizing network namespaces extensively, such as cloud providers, container platforms, and virtualized environments, are at heightened risk because the vulnerability specifically involves re-registration of wireless devices across namespaces. This could affect data centers, telecommunications infrastructure, and enterprise networks. The disruption of wireless connectivity or kernel stability could impact remote workforces, IoT deployments, and industrial control systems relying on Linux. Given the widespread use of Linux in European public sector, finance, and technology sectors, the vulnerability poses a risk to critical infrastructure and services if left unpatched.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize applying the official Linux kernel patches that address the double-free issue in the cfg80211 module. Kernel updates should be tested in staging environments to ensure compatibility before deployment in production. Organizations should audit their use of network namespaces and wireless device configurations to identify systems that might be exposed. Employing kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR), and enabling security modules like SELinux or AppArmor can reduce exploitation risk. Monitoring system logs for kernel warnings or crashes related to wireless devices can provide early indicators of attempted exploitation. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, temporarily disabling or restricting wireless device usage or network namespace re-registration can reduce attack surface. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date intrusion detection systems and endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous kernel behavior is recommended. Finally, organizations should ensure robust backup and recovery procedures to minimize impact in case of successful exploitation.