CVE-2024-56629 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Human Interface Device (HID) subsystem, specifically affecting the Wacom driver. The flaw arises from improper handling of the device product name string (dev->product) when it is empty or null. Certain devices incorrectly report an empty product name, leading to a null pointer dereference in the kernel code path responsible for updating the Wacom device name. This results in a kernel panic or system crash due to an invalid memory access. The vulnerability was discovered on hardware using the Loongson-LS3A6000-7A2000-DL37 motherboard, but the underlying issue lies in the Linux kernel code and can potentially affect any system running the vulnerable kernel version with similar HID devices. The kernel logs show the crash occurs during USB device initialization, triggered by the udev worker process, indicating that the flaw can be exploited simply by connecting a specially crafted or affected USB HID device. The problem is rooted in the wacom_update_name function, which does not properly check for null before using the product string, leading to a kernel paging fault. This vulnerability can cause denial of service (DoS) by crashing the entire system, impacting availability. There is no indication that this vulnerability allows privilege escalation or code execution beyond the DoS impact. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and there are no known exploits in the wild at this time. The issue has been resolved in recent Linux kernel updates, but affected versions prior to the fix remain vulnerable. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in kernel drivers handling external device data.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-56629 is the potential for denial of service on Linux systems utilizing the affected kernel versions and Wacom HID drivers. This can disrupt business operations, especially in environments where Linux is used for critical infrastructure, workstations, or embedded systems that interface with USB HID devices. Industries relying on Linux-based workstations with Wacom tablets or similar USB HID devices—such as graphic design, digital content creation, and certain manufacturing sectors—may experience system instability or crashes. Additionally, organizations using Loongson-based hardware platforms, which are less common but may be present in specialized or research environments, could be directly affected. The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker with physical access to the system or via malicious USB devices introduced into the environment, potentially causing repeated system crashes and operational downtime. Although the vulnerability does not appear to allow remote code execution or privilege escalation, the resulting instability could be leveraged as part of a broader attack strategy to disrupt services or delay incident response. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but unpatched systems remain vulnerable to accidental or intentional triggering of the flaw.

To mitigate CVE-2024-56629, European organizations should prioritize updating Linux kernels to versions where the vulnerability has been patched. This involves applying the latest stable kernel releases or vendor-provided security updates that include the fix for the Wacom HID driver null pointer dereference. Organizations should audit their Linux systems to identify those running affected kernel versions and verify the presence of Wacom or similar HID drivers. Where kernel updates are not immediately feasible, implementing USB device control policies can reduce risk by restricting or monitoring the connection of untrusted USB HID devices. Employing endpoint security solutions that can detect anomalous USB device behavior or block unauthorized devices is recommended. For environments using Loongson-based hardware, ensure firmware and kernel updates are applied promptly. Additionally, system administrators should review udev rules and device handling configurations to minimize exposure to malformed device descriptors. Regularly monitoring kernel logs for signs of null pointer dereferences or crashes related to USB HID devices can help detect attempts to trigger this vulnerability. Finally, educating staff about the risks of connecting unknown USB devices can reduce the likelihood of exploitation.