CVE-2024-44997·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: ethernet: mtk_wed: fix use-after-free panic in mtk_wed_setup_tc_block_cb() When there are multiple ap interfaces on one band and with WED on, turning the interface down will cause a kernel panic on MT798X. Previously, cb_priv was freed in mtk_wed_setup_tc_block() without marking NULL,and mtk_wed_setup_tc_block_cb() didn't check the value, too. Assign NULL after free cb_priv in mtk_wed_setup_tc_block() and check NULL in mtk_wed_setup_tc_block_cb(). ---------- Unable to handle kernel paging request at virtual address 0072460bca32b4f5 Call trace: mtk_wed_setup_tc_block_cb+0x4/0x38 0xffffffc0794084bc tcf_block_playback_offloads+0x70/0x1e8 tcf_block_unbind+0x6c/0xc8 ... ---------
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.10.7
- Published
How likely is exploitation
FIRST's Exploit Prediction Scoring System puts the probability of this CVE being exploited in the next 30 days at <0.1% — higher than 6% of all published CVEs. EPSS is an independent forecast of exploitation, not a severity rating: it says nothing about how much damage a successful attack does, which is what a CVSS score measures.
Read the two together. CVE-2024-44997 scores 7.8 on CVSS, so a successful attack would be serious — but at <0.1%, almost nobody is currently attempting it. That is a different situation from a flaw under mass exploitation, and it is usually the difference between patching on your next maintenance window and patching tonight.
Affected versions
From: 6.7
Until: 6.10.7
Fixed in: 6.10.7
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 6.10.7 or later to resolve a use-after-free vulnerability in the MediaTek WED (Wireless Ethernet Dispatcher) driver that affects multi-AP configurations. This vulnerability can cause kernel panics when bringing down wireless interfaces on MT798X devices. Prioritize this update for systems running kernel versions 6.7 through 6.10.6 with MediaTek wireless hardware.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-devel && sudo rebootDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Check your current kernel version: uname -r
- Verify if your system uses MediaTek WED hardware: lspci | grep -i mediatek or ethtool -i <interface> | grep driver
- Search kernel logs for use-after-free warnings related to mtk_wed: dmesg | grep -i 'mtk_wed\|use-after-free'
- Confirm the patch was applied: grep 'mtk_wed_setup_tc_block_cb\|cb_priv' /boot/config-$(uname -r) or verify kernel version is 6.10.7 or later
FAQ
What is CVE-2024-44997?
CVE-2024-44997 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's MediaTek WED (Wireless Ethernet Dispatcher) driver that occurs when multiple AP interfaces operate on the same band. The vulnerability arises from freed memory pointers that are not properly nullified before being dereferenced, leading to kernel panics.
Is CVE-2024-44997 being actively exploited?
No, CVE-2024-44997 is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and has no publicly available exploits. However, it can be triggered locally by bringing down wireless interfaces on affected systems.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2024-44997?
Linux kernel versions 6.7 through 6.10.6 are vulnerable. The vulnerability is patched in kernel 6.10.7 and later.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2024-44997?
Run uname -r to check your kernel version. If it shows 6.7 through 6.10.6 and your system has MediaTek WED hardware (verify with lspci | grep -i mediatek), your system is vulnerable.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2024-44997?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If Kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2024-44997 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
Track CVEs across your fleet automatically
Defensia scans your Linux servers and tells you exactly which ones are running vulnerable versions — including CVE-2024-44997. Free for 1 server.
Get started free