CVE-2024-53154

What it actually does

Missing NULL check in applnco_probe allows kernel NULL pointer dereference in the clk-apple-nco driver.

Why it matters to the business

Affected Linux systems on Apple hardware risk crashes or denial of service that disrupt operations and require reboots, with widespread kernel deployments amplifying exposure.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker with local access triggers the probe function during device initialization on vulnerable Apple hardware to dereference a NULL pointer and panic the kernel; listed threat actors in espionage and financial campaigns have targeted similar Linux kernel memory issues though active exploitation of this flaw remains unconfirmed.

How to fix it

Update the Linux kernel to commit 9a5905b725739af6a105f9e564e7c80d69969d2b or later; for listed Wireshark packages apply the 2.6.3-1~ubuntu*.1 fixes where applicable.

How to confirm the fix worked

Verify the running kernel contains commit 9a5905b725739af6a105f9e564e7c80d69969d2b and confirm absence of NULL dereference paths in clk-apple-nco probe code.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain local access to a target system running the vulnerable kernel
2. Trigger clk-apple-nco device probe during boot or hardware initialization
3. Cause NULL pointer dereference leading to kernel panic

How to detect it

Search kernel logs and dmesg for NULL pointer dereference messages referencing applnco_probe or clk-apple-nco during boot or device initialization.

What your security team should do

• Apply the referenced kernel commit or package updates immediately on all affected systems
• Prioritize patching for Apple hardware deployments given driver scope
• Monitor kernel logs for NULL pointer dereference events in clk drivers
• Review downstream dependents and schedule staged rollouts