CVE-2024-40929·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: iwlwifi: mvm: check n_ssids before accessing the ssids In some versions of cfg80211, the ssids poinet might be a valid one even though n_ssids is 0. Accessing the pointer in this case will cuase an out-of-bound access. Fix this by checking n_ssids first.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.9.6
- Published
- 2024-07-12
Affected versions
From: 6.7
Until: 6.9.6
Fixed in: 6.9.6
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 6.9.6 or later to resolve this memory access vulnerability in the iwlwifi driver. This fix ensures that the driver properly validates the SSID count before attempting to access SSID pointers, preventing out-of-bounds memory reads that could lead to information disclosure or system instability. Kernel updates should be applied promptly and followed by a system reboot to activate the patched version.
sudo dnf update kernel && sudo rebootDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Check your current kernel version with: uname -r (ensure it is 6.9.6 or later)
- Verify iwlwifi driver is loaded with: lsmod | grep iwlwifi
- Check kernel logs for WiFi-related errors: dmesg | grep -i iwl
- Confirm the fix by verifying the kernel source includes commit 29a18d56bd64b95bd10bda4afda512558471382a with: grep -r 'n_ssids' /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/net/wireless/intel/
FAQ
What is CVE-2024-40929?
CVE-2024-40929 is a memory safety vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Intel WiFi (iwlwifi) driver where SSID pointers could be accessed without first validating that the SSID count is non-zero, potentially leading to out-of-bounds memory access and information disclosure.
Is CVE-2024-40929 being actively exploited?
No, CVE-2024-40929 is not currently listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and no public exploits are available.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2024-40929?
Linux kernel versions 6.7 through 6.9.5 are vulnerable; versions 6.9.6 and later include the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2024-40929?
Run uname -r and compare your kernel version to 6.9.6—if your version is between 6.7 and 6.9.5 and you have an Intel WiFi adapter, you are vulnerable.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2024-40929?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If the Linux kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2024-40929 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/29a18d56bd64b95bd10bda4afda512558471382a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3c4771091ea8016c8601399078916f722dd8833b
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/60d62757df30b74bf397a2847a6db7385c6ee281
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/62e007bdeb91c6879a4652c3426aef1cd9d2937b
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9e719ae3abad60e245ce248ba3f08148f375a614
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