CVE-2024-53059

What it actually does

Failure to validate response packet size and release the response buffer in iwl_mvm_send_recovery_cmd allows memory corruption or resource leaks inside the iwlwifi driver.

Why it matters to the business

Local attackers can corrupt kernel memory, leading to system crashes, denial of service, or full host compromise on affected Linux systems; widespread kernel deployments increase exposure across servers and endpoints.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker with local access triggers the recovery command path in the iwlwifi mvm module, supplies a crafted or oversized response that bypasses size checks, and leverages the unfreed buffer to corrupt adjacent kernel memory for privilege escalation or code execution.

How to fix it

Update the Linux kernel to commit 9c98ee7ea463a838235e7a0e35851b38476364f2 or later stable releases that replace the vulnerable function with iwl_mvm_send_cmd_status; apply vendor backports for supported distributions.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the running kernel contains the fix commit or updated iwlwifi driver code; inspect source for use of iwl_mvm_send_cmd_status in place of the original recovery handler and verify response buffer handling.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain local user access on a vulnerable Linux system with iwlwifi hardware
2. Trigger iwl_mvm_send_recovery_cmd via wireless interface manipulation or crafted 802.11 frames
3. Supply oversized or malformed response that evades size validation
4. Exploit unfreed buffer to corrupt kernel memory structures
5. Escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code in kernel context

How to detect it

Search kernel logs for iwlwifi or mvm recovery command errors, unexpected buffer handling warnings, or oops traces referencing iwl_mvm_send_recovery_cmd; correlate with wireless interface events around the time of suspected activity.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize kernel updates on all systems exposing iwlwifi hardware
• Restrict local user privileges and wireless interface access until patched
• Monitor for kernel oops or memory-related panics on affected hardware
• Review EPSS trend and threat actor reports for any increase in in-the-wild activity