CVE-2024-58009 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth subsystem, specifically within the L2CAP (Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol) layer. The issue arises due to improper handling of a NULL socket pointer passed into the function l2cap_sock_alloc() when invoked from l2cap_sock_new_connection_cb(). This improper handling occurs in error paths where the code does not adequately check for NULL pointers, potentially leading to dereferencing a NULL pointer. The vulnerability stems from the sequence of function calls involving bt_sock_alloc() and l2cap_chan_create(). Although these calls are not interdependent at the moment of invocation, the current order results in a dummy-initialized channel being added to a global list before it is properly allocated, which could cause instability or unexpected behavior. The Linux Verification Center discovered this flaw using the SVACE static analysis tool, highlighting a gap in error handling rather than a direct memory corruption or privilege escalation flaw. The vulnerability affects multiple Linux kernel versions identified by specific commit hashes, indicating it is present in recent kernel builds. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The root cause is a lack of NULL pointer checks in the Bluetooth L2CAP socket allocation path, which could lead to kernel crashes or denial of service if triggered.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-58009 primarily concerns systems running Linux kernels with Bluetooth enabled, especially those utilizing L2CAP for Bluetooth communications. This includes a wide range of devices from servers, desktops, embedded systems, to IoT devices that rely on Linux. The vulnerability could be exploited to cause kernel crashes or denial of service conditions, potentially disrupting critical services or operations. While it does not currently appear to allow privilege escalation or remote code execution, the instability caused by NULL pointer dereferencing in kernel space can lead to system outages. Organizations in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure that use Linux-based Bluetooth-enabled devices may face operational risks. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a multi-stage attack to degrade system availability or to distract from other malicious activities. Given the widespread use of Linux in Europe, particularly in enterprise and government environments, unpatched systems could experience service interruptions, impacting business continuity and service delivery.

To mitigate CVE-2024-58009, European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernels to versions where this vulnerability has been patched. Since the issue is related to kernel-level Bluetooth handling, disabling Bluetooth on systems where it is not required can reduce the attack surface. For devices that must use Bluetooth, applying kernel updates from trusted Linux distributions promptly is critical. Network segmentation and strict access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted users or networks. Monitoring kernel logs for unusual Bluetooth-related errors or crashes can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review their device inventories to identify Linux systems with Bluetooth enabled and verify patch status. For embedded or IoT devices where kernel updates are challenging, consider vendor advisories and possible firmware updates. Finally, integrating static analysis tools similar to SVACE in the development and maintenance lifecycle can help detect similar coding issues proactively.