CVE-2024-58013 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth management subsystem. Specifically, it is a use-after-free flaw (CWE-416) located in the function mgmt_remove_adv_monitor_sync within the net/bluetooth/mgmt.c source file. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory objects related to Bluetooth advertisement monitoring, where a slab object is freed but subsequently accessed, leading to a use-after-free condition. This flaw was detected through Kernel Address Sanitizer (KASAN) reports indicating a read of freed memory during the execution of Bluetooth management commands. The vulnerability can cause kernel crashes (denial of service) and potentially allow an attacker with limited privileges (local access with low privileges) to escalate their privileges or execute arbitrary code in kernel context due to the corrupted memory state. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 reflects its high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with an attack vector limited to local access but requiring low privileges and no user interaction. The flaw affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel prior to the patch and is particularly relevant to systems utilizing Bluetooth functionality. The detailed kernel stack traces show the lifecycle of the vulnerable object allocation and freeing, confirming the use-after-free scenario during Bluetooth management operations. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability's nature and impact warrant prompt attention and remediation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially to those relying on Linux-based systems with Bluetooth enabled, such as enterprise servers, IoT devices, embedded systems, and workstations. Exploitation could lead to kernel crashes causing denial of service, disrupting critical services and operations. More critically, it could allow local attackers or compromised processes to escalate privileges to kernel level, potentially leading to full system compromise, data breaches, or persistent malware installation. This is particularly concerning for sectors with sensitive data or critical infrastructure such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies. The vulnerability's exploitation could also impact cloud service providers and data centers running Linux on virtualized or physical hardware with Bluetooth capabilities, affecting availability and confidentiality of hosted services. Given the widespread use of Linux in Europe across various industries and the increasing adoption of Bluetooth-enabled devices, the threat surface is broad. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the high severity score indicates that the vulnerability should be treated as a priority to prevent future attacks.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigation steps: 1) Immediately apply the official Linux kernel patches that address CVE-2024-58013 once available from trusted sources or Linux distribution vendors. 2) If patching is delayed, consider disabling Bluetooth functionality on critical systems where it is not essential to reduce the attack surface. 3) Employ strict access controls and monitoring on systems with Bluetooth enabled to detect suspicious local activity or unauthorized Bluetooth management commands. 4) Use kernel hardening features such as Kernel Address Sanitizer (KASAN) in testing environments to detect similar memory corruption issues proactively. 5) Regularly update Linux kernels and Bluetooth stack components to incorporate security fixes. 6) For cloud and virtualized environments, ensure hypervisor and host OS security policies prevent untrusted local code execution. 7) Conduct security audits focusing on Bluetooth usage and privilege separation to minimize the risk of local privilege escalation. 8) Educate system administrators about the risks of local exploits and the importance of timely patching. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on Bluetooth subsystem controls, kernel patch management, and local privilege containment.