CVE-2024-50237 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's mac80211 wireless subsystem. Specifically, the issue arises when the kernel passes a stopped virtual interface (vif) to the driver in the .get_txpower callback. This improper handling can lead to the driver accessing uninitialized private data structures, which may cause the driver or the kernel to crash. The vulnerability stems from a logic flaw where the mac80211 subsystem does not adequately verify the state of the vif before invoking driver operations, leading to potential use-after-free or dereferencing invalid pointers. This flaw can result in denial of service conditions due to kernel panics or crashes. The vulnerability affects certain Linux kernel versions identified by specific commit hashes, indicating it is present in recent kernel builds prior to the patch. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The fix involves ensuring that stopped virtual interfaces are not passed to the driver in the .get_txpower function, thereby preventing access to uninitialized or invalid data and improving kernel stability and security.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-50237 primarily concerns system stability and availability. Linux is widely used in servers, embedded devices, and network infrastructure across Europe. A kernel crash induced by this vulnerability could disrupt critical services, especially in environments relying on wireless networking managed by mac80211 drivers. This includes enterprise Wi-Fi access points, IoT devices, and network appliances. Although the vulnerability does not directly lead to privilege escalation or data leakage, the resulting denial of service could cause operational downtime, impacting business continuity. Organizations with large-scale Linux deployments or those in sectors such as telecommunications, finance, and public services could face service interruptions. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability's presence in the kernel codebase means attackers with local access or the ability to trigger wireless interface state changes could potentially cause crashes. This is particularly relevant for organizations with remote or automated management of Linux-based wireless devices.

To mitigate CVE-2024-50237, European organizations should promptly update their Linux kernel to versions that include the patch addressing this vulnerability. Since the issue relates to the mac80211 subsystem, kernel updates from trusted Linux distributions or direct application of the relevant patches from the Linux kernel maintainers are essential. Network administrators should audit wireless device configurations to ensure virtual interfaces are properly managed and avoid unnecessary stopping and starting sequences that might trigger the flaw. For critical systems, consider implementing monitoring to detect kernel crashes or instability related to wireless interfaces. Additionally, restricting local access to trusted users and limiting exposure of wireless management interfaces can reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations using custom or embedded Linux kernels should coordinate with vendors or maintainers to integrate the fix. Finally, maintaining robust backup and recovery procedures will help minimize downtime in case of service disruption.