CVE-2024-58062 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's wireless driver subsystem, specifically within the iwlwifi module's mvm (mac80211-based) implementation. The issue arises from improper handling of pointers when iterating over the links of a virtual interface (vif). The vulnerability is due to a NULL pointer dereference caused by dereferencing a pointer without first verifying its validity. This can lead to a kernel crash (denial of service) or potentially other undefined behaviors. The fix involves using the for_each_vif_active_link macro, which includes a check to ensure the pointer is valid before dereferencing, thereby preventing the NULL pointer dereference. The vulnerability affects certain Linux kernel versions identified by commit hashes, and it was publicly disclosed on March 6, 2025. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations, this vulnerability primarily poses a risk of denial of service (DoS) on systems running affected Linux kernel versions with the iwlwifi driver enabled. Since iwlwifi is a widely used driver for Intel wireless chipsets, many enterprise and consumer devices rely on it for Wi-Fi connectivity. A successful exploitation could cause system crashes, disrupting network connectivity and potentially impacting critical services that depend on wireless communication. While the vulnerability does not appear to allow privilege escalation or remote code execution, the resulting instability could be leveraged in targeted attacks to degrade service availability. Organizations with large deployments of Linux-based infrastructure, especially those using Intel wireless hardware, may experience operational disruptions if the vulnerability is exploited. Additionally, environments with high security requirements, such as government agencies, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure operators, could face increased risk if attackers use this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should promptly apply the official Linux kernel patches that address CVE-2024-58062. Since the fix involves changes to the iwlwifi driver code, updating to the latest stable kernel version containing the patch is essential. Organizations should: 1) Identify all systems running affected Linux kernel versions with Intel wireless hardware using iwlwifi. 2) Schedule and deploy kernel updates during maintenance windows to minimize disruption. 3) For systems where immediate patching is not feasible, consider temporarily disabling the iwlwifi module or using alternative network interfaces to reduce exposure. 4) Monitor system logs for kernel crashes or unusual behavior related to wireless interfaces that might indicate attempted exploitation. 5) Incorporate this vulnerability into vulnerability management and incident response plans to ensure rapid detection and remediation. 6) Engage with Linux distribution vendors for backported patches if using long-term support kernels. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on hardware-specific considerations and operational continuity.