CVE-2025-37943 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's ath12k wireless driver, specifically within the function ath12k_dp_rx_h_undecap_nwifi that processes native Wi-Fi headers. The vulnerability arises when hardware delivers packets with lengths exceeding the maximum expected native Wi-Fi header length. Under these circumstances, the driver may improperly access and modify fields within the Wi-Fi header, leading to invalid data access and potential memory corruption. This flaw is tied to the DP_RX_DECAP_TYPE_NATIVE_WIFI decapsulation type. The root cause is the absence of a sanity check validating packet length before processing, which allows out-of-bounds memory operations. The vulnerability was tested on Qualcomm's QCN9274 hardware (hw2.0 PCI WLAN) and has been addressed by adding a sanity check to prevent invalid data access in the affected function. While no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the nature of the flaw—memory corruption due to improper packet length handling—could potentially be leveraged for denial of service or privilege escalation attacks if exploited. The vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions identified by commit hashes, and impacts systems using the ath12k driver for Qualcomm Wi-Fi chipsets.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to devices and infrastructure running Linux kernels with the vulnerable ath12k driver, especially those utilizing Qualcomm QCN9274 or similar Wi-Fi chipsets. Potential impacts include system instability or crashes due to memory corruption, which could disrupt network connectivity and availability. In more severe scenarios, attackers might exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges, compromising confidentiality and integrity of affected systems. Given the widespread use of Linux in enterprise servers, embedded systems, and network equipment across Europe, organizations relying on affected hardware could face operational disruptions. Critical infrastructure sectors such as telecommunications, manufacturing, and government agencies that deploy Linux-based wireless networking solutions are particularly at risk. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat levels, but the vulnerability's nature warrants proactive mitigation to prevent future exploitation.

European organizations should promptly apply the Linux kernel patches that introduce the necessary sanity checks in the ath12k driver to prevent invalid data access. System administrators must verify kernel versions and update to the fixed releases containing the patch. Additionally, organizations should audit their hardware inventory to identify devices using Qualcomm QCN9274 or related chipsets with the ath12k driver. Network segmentation can limit exposure of vulnerable devices to untrusted networks. Employing intrusion detection systems (IDS) with anomaly detection capabilities may help identify suspicious Wi-Fi traffic patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Regularly monitoring vendor advisories and Linux kernel mailing lists for updates or exploit reports is essential. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, disabling or restricting the use of affected wireless interfaces can serve as a temporary mitigation. Finally, incorporating this vulnerability into vulnerability management and incident response plans will enhance preparedness.