CVE-2024-50276 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the network driver component for vertexcom devices, related to the mse102x module. The issue arises from improper memory management during the transmission (TX) of socket buffers (skb). The vulnerability is a double-free bug where the original TX skb pointer is freed twice under certain conditions. Specifically, when the TX skb needs to be expanded, the code incorrectly frees the original skb instead of a temporary skb. This leads to a use-after-free scenario causing kernel crashes (kernel oops) and potential denial of service. The problem occurs in the mse102x_tx_work function, which is part of the workqueue handling transmission tasks. The kernel panic stack trace indicates the crash happens during skb_release_data and kfree_skb_reason calls, confirming the double free. This bug is rooted in the scope mismanagement of the skb pointer within the mse102x_tx_frame_spi() function and its interaction with the mse102x_tx_work() function. While the vulnerability does not currently have known exploits in the wild, the nature of the bug (double free in kernel space) could be leveraged for denial of service attacks or potentially local privilege escalation if combined with other vulnerabilities. The affected Linux kernel versions are identified by specific commit hashes, indicating this is a recent and targeted fix. No CVSS score is assigned yet, and no patches links are provided in the data, but the issue is publicly disclosed as of November 19, 2024.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-50276 primarily revolves around system stability and availability. Linux is widely used across Europe in enterprise servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, and IoT devices. Organizations relying on Linux systems with the vertexcom mse102x driver—commonly found in specialized hardware such as industrial IoT devices or embedded systems—may experience unexpected kernel crashes leading to service interruptions. This can affect critical infrastructure, manufacturing control systems, or telecommunications equipment that utilize such hardware. While the vulnerability does not directly expose data confidentiality or integrity, the resulting denial of service could disrupt business operations, cause downtime, and require emergency patching or system reboots. Additionally, if attackers develop exploits leveraging this double-free bug, there is a risk of privilege escalation or further kernel exploitation, which could compromise system security. European sectors with high reliance on embedded Linux devices, such as automotive, manufacturing, and telecommunications, could be particularly vulnerable if they use affected hardware. The lack of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk, but proactive mitigation is essential to prevent future exploitation.

1. Immediate update of Linux kernels to versions that include the fix for CVE-2024-50276 once patches are available from official Linux kernel repositories or vendor distributions. 2. Identify and inventory all systems using the vertexcom mse102x driver, especially embedded and IoT devices, to assess exposure. 3. For devices where kernel updates are not immediately feasible, consider isolating affected systems from critical networks to reduce attack surface. 4. Monitor kernel logs for signs of skb-related errors or kernel oops messages indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Implement strict access controls and limit local user privileges to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 6. Engage with hardware vendors to confirm if their devices incorporate the vulnerable driver and request firmware or software updates. 7. Employ kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and Kernel Page Table Isolation (KPTI) to mitigate exploitation impact. 8. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential denial of service incidents caused by this vulnerability.