CVE-2024-56541 is a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ath12k wireless driver, which supports certain Qualcomm Atheros Wi-Fi chipsets. The flaw occurs during the removal of the ath12k kernel module, specifically in the function ath12k_dp_cc_cleanup(). When the ath12k_core_deinit() function is called to deinitialize the driver, it unregisters the hardware (ah->hw) from the mac80211 subsystem and frees associated resources, including the ath12k hardware abstraction structures (ar). However, some pending data packets (skb) are not properly flushed before this cleanup. Later, ath12k_dp_cc_cleanup() attempts to access the freed ar structures from these packets, resulting in a use-after-free condition. This memory corruption can lead to kernel crashes or potentially allow an attacker with limited privileges (local user with module removal rights) to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges due to the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is rooted in improper handling of packet flushing and resource cleanup during module removal, and the fix involves avoiding access to freed memory by not referencing ar from skb->cb when the driver is being unregistered. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions containing the ath12k driver prior to the patch commit 24de1b7b231c and has been tested on hardware such as QCN9274 and WCN7850 PCI WLAN chipsets. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity with local attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially for those relying on Linux-based systems with Qualcomm Atheros ath12k Wi-Fi chipsets, common in enterprise laptops, embedded devices, and network appliances. Exploitation could allow local attackers or malicious insiders to cause kernel crashes leading to denial of service or potentially escalate privileges to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. This could compromise sensitive data confidentiality and integrity, disrupt business operations, and facilitate further lateral movement within networks. Critical infrastructure operators, telecommunications providers, and enterprises with Linux-based wireless networking equipment are particularly at risk. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require user interaction but does require local privileges, which means compromised or untrusted users on a system could leverage this flaw. Given the widespread use of Linux in European IT environments and the increasing reliance on wireless connectivity, the impact could be broad if unpatched systems are present.

1. Immediate application of the official Linux kernel patches that address CVE-2024-56541 is essential. Organizations should track kernel updates from their Linux distribution vendors and deploy them promptly. 2. Audit and inventory all systems to identify those using the ath12k driver and Qualcomm Atheros chipsets (e.g., QCN9274, WCN7850). 3. Limit local user privileges to prevent unauthorized module removal or driver manipulation. 4. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on systems that allow kernel module loading/unloading, including use of Linux Security Modules (LSMs) like SELinux or AppArmor to restrict module management. 5. Employ kernel live patching solutions where possible to reduce downtime and rapidly mitigate vulnerabilities without full reboots. 6. Regularly monitor system logs for suspicious module removal or kernel errors indicative of exploitation attempts. 7. For embedded or specialized devices, coordinate with vendors for firmware or driver updates. 8. Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability scanning focused on kernel module vulnerabilities to proactively identify exposure.