CVE-2024-58064 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Wi-Fi subsystem, specifically within the cfg80211 component used for wireless configuration and management. The issue arises in a test function named test_cfg80211_parse_colocated_ap(), where the kernel's unit testing allocation function kunit_kzalloc() may return a NULL pointer. The vulnerability occurs because the code dereferences this pointer without performing a NULL check, which can lead to a NULL pointer dereference and consequently a kernel crash (denial of service). The flaw is rooted in insufficient validation of memory allocation results during testing code execution, which could cause the kernel to access invalid memory addresses. The patch for this vulnerability involves adding a NULL check for the ies (information elements) pointer to prevent dereferencing a NULL pointer. Although the vulnerability is in test code, it resides in the kernel's Wi-Fi configuration subsystem, which is widely used in Linux-based systems. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability does not appear to require user interaction or authentication, but it is triggered by kernel code execution paths related to Wi-Fi configuration testing.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-58064 primarily involves potential denial of service conditions on Linux systems running vulnerable kernel versions with the affected cfg80211 test code enabled. This could lead to system instability or crashes, particularly in environments where Wi-Fi configuration testing or related kernel modules are active. Critical infrastructure, telecommunications, and enterprises relying on Linux-based network equipment or servers could experience service interruptions. While the vulnerability does not directly lead to privilege escalation or data breaches, denial of service in network infrastructure can disrupt business operations and availability of services. Given the widespread use of Linux in European data centers, cloud environments, and embedded systems, organizations should assess their exposure, especially those using custom or development kernel builds that might include test code. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability's presence in kernel code warrants timely patching to maintain system reliability and security posture.

Organizations should promptly update their Linux kernel to the latest patched version that includes the fix for CVE-2024-58064. Since the vulnerability is in test code, verifying whether the affected test functions are enabled or compiled into production kernels is important; disabling or removing test modules from production builds can reduce exposure. System administrators should audit kernel configurations to ensure that test code is not active in production environments. Additionally, monitoring kernel logs for signs of NULL pointer dereference crashes related to cfg80211 can help detect exploitation attempts or system instability. For embedded or specialized Linux distributions, vendors should be contacted to confirm patch availability and deployment timelines. Network administrators should also consider isolating critical Wi-Fi infrastructure components and applying strict access controls to limit potential attack vectors. Finally, maintaining robust backup and recovery procedures will help mitigate the impact of any denial of service incidents resulting from this vulnerability.