CVE-2025-23133 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's ath11k wireless driver, which manages Qualcomm Atheros Wi-Fi chipsets. The flaw arises from a race condition in the handling of updated regulatory domain channel lists. Specifically, when ath11k receives a new channel list, it follows a three-step process: (1) updating the new channel list to cfg80211 and queuing a regulatory work item (reg_work), (2) cfg80211 asynchronously processes the new channel list during reg_work, and (3) ath11k updates the firmware with the handled channel list via ath11k_reg_update_chan_list(). The vulnerability occurs because step 3 is executed immediately after queuing reg_work, without waiting for step 2 to complete. Since step 2 is asynchronous, cfg80211 may not have finished processing the new channel list when step 3 runs, leading to an out-of-bounds write error detected by Kernel Address Sanitizer (KASAN). This can cause memory corruption within the kernel space, potentially leading to system instability, crashes (kernel panic), or exploitable conditions for privilege escalation or denial of service. The patch to fix this issue involves enabling the NL80211_REGDOM_SET_BY_DRIVER flag, which ensures that cfg80211 notifies ath11k only after step 2 completes, thus preventing the premature execution of step 3 and eliminating the race condition. The vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions identified by commit hashes and has been tested on Qualcomm WCN6855 hardware. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily to systems running affected Linux kernels with ath11k drivers, especially those using Qualcomm Atheros Wi-Fi chipsets in critical infrastructure, enterprise networks, or embedded devices. Exploitation could lead to kernel memory corruption, causing system crashes or enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. Given the widespread use of Linux in servers, network equipment, and IoT devices across Europe, successful exploitation could disrupt business operations, impact service availability, and expose sensitive data. The risk is heightened in environments where wireless connectivity is essential, such as telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, and government sectors. Although no active exploits are known, the vulnerability's nature suggests that motivated attackers could develop exploits, especially targeting high-value assets. The asynchronous handling flaw also indicates potential for exploitation in multi-threaded or high-load environments common in enterprise settings.

European organizations should promptly apply the official Linux kernel patches that enable the NL80211_REGDOM_SET_BY_DRIVER flag to ensure proper synchronization in channel list updates. System administrators must verify that their Linux distributions have incorporated this fix or upgrade to patched kernel versions. For devices with Qualcomm Atheros Wi-Fi chipsets using ath11k, firmware updates should also be applied if available. Network security teams should monitor kernel logs for KASAN or related memory corruption warnings indicative of attempted exploitation. Implementing strict access controls to limit unprivileged user ability to trigger wireless regulatory changes can reduce attack surface. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough testing of wireless drivers in their environments to detect anomalies. Employing kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Page Table Isolation (KPTI) and Control Flow Integrity (CFI) can mitigate exploitation impact. Finally, maintaining up-to-date intrusion detection systems and endpoint protection can help identify and respond to exploitation attempts.