CVE-2024-57997 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Wi-Fi driver component, specifically within the wcn36xx driver responsible for managing certain wireless chipsets. The issue arises from an incorrect memory allocation size calculation for the channel survey data structure (wcn->chan_survey). The kernel's Kernel Address Sanitizer (KASAN) detected this flaw, which could lead to the use of uninitialized memory values when no frames are present on a wireless channel. The root cause is improper allocation and initialization of memory, which was previously done without zeroing out the allocated memory, potentially leading to undefined behavior or information leakage. The fix involves replacing the original allocation method with kcalloc, a kernel function that allocates and zero-initializes memory, ensuring that the channel survey data is properly initialized and preventing the use of stale or uninitialized data. This vulnerability is specific to the Linux kernel and affects versions identified by the given commit hashes. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability primarily impacts the wireless networking subsystem, which is critical for network connectivity on many Linux-based systems, including servers, desktops, and embedded devices.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-57997 could be significant depending on their reliance on Linux systems with affected wireless chipsets. The vulnerability could lead to instability or unpredictable behavior in wireless communications, potentially causing denial of service or information leakage through uninitialized memory usage. Organizations with critical infrastructure or sensitive data transmitted over wireless networks may face confidentiality and availability risks. Since the vulnerability affects the kernel's wireless driver, it could disrupt network connectivity, impacting business operations, especially in sectors like telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and government services that rely heavily on secure and stable wireless communications. However, the absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the potential for future exploitation remains. The impact is heightened in environments where Linux is widely deployed on wireless-enabled devices, including IoT and industrial control systems prevalent in European industries.

To mitigate CVE-2024-57997, European organizations should promptly apply the official Linux kernel patches that replace the memory allocation with kcalloc to ensure proper initialization. System administrators should: 1) Identify and inventory all Linux systems using the wcn36xx wireless driver or affected kernel versions. 2) Update the Linux kernel to the latest stable release containing the fix for this vulnerability. 3) Test updates in controlled environments before wide deployment to avoid service disruptions. 4) Monitor wireless network behavior for anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5) Employ kernel hardening techniques and enable KASAN or similar runtime memory error detection tools in development or testing environments to catch similar issues early. 6) Limit wireless network access to trusted devices and enforce strong authentication and encryption protocols to reduce attack surface. 7) Maintain up-to-date incident response plans to quickly address any exploitation attempts.