CVE-2024-42225

What it actually does

The mt76 Wi-Fi driver in the Linux kernel used skb_put to allocate socket buffer space without initializing the contents, allowing reuse of uninitialized kernel memory in subsequent operations.

Why it matters to the business

Wireless-enabled Linux systems face elevated risk of kernel-level memory corruption that can lead to remote code execution or information disclosure, potentially affecting large numbers of servers, embedded devices, and Android-based products until kernels are updated.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker within Wi-Fi range crafts malicious 802.11 frames that trigger the mt76 driver's receive path to process a socket buffer containing leftover uninitialized data; threat actors involved in 2024 espionage and financially motivated campaigns or Linux kernel uninitialized-resource exploits can leverage this to corrupt kernel memory structures and achieve code execution.

How to fix it

Update the Linux kernel to a version containing commit dc7f14d00d0c4c21898f3504607f4a31079065a2 or later; rebuild and deploy the updated kernel across all affected systems, prioritizing wireless-enabled hosts and Android devices.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the running kernel sources contain dc7f14d00d0c4c21898f3504607f4a31079065a2, verify the mt76 driver uses skb_put_zero in the relevant receive paths, and test wireless frame reception under load to ensure no uninitialized memory reuse occurs.

Typical attack path

1. Position within wireless range of target mt76-equipped device
2. Transmit specially crafted 802.11 management or data frames
3. Trigger skb allocation path that reuses uninitialized buffer contents
4. Exploit resulting memory corruption for privilege escalation or remote code execution

How to detect it

Review kernel logs and wireless driver traces for anomalies in mt76 skb handling around the time of suspected wireless activity; correlate with any unexplained kernel panics or memory corruption reports in systems using the affected driver versions.

What your security team should do

• Immediately identify all systems running vulnerable mt76 drivers and schedule kernel updates
• Apply the fix containing commit dc7f14d00d0c4c21898f3504607f4a31079065a2 as the primary remediation
• Monitor EPSS trend and threat actor reports for any increase in observed exploitation
• Harden wireless exposure by disabling unnecessary Wi-Fi interfaces on servers until patched