CVE-2024-53189

What it actually does

Failure to initialize n_channels before populating the channels array in cfg80211_scan_request triggers bounds sanitizer errors, resulting in warnings or kernel panics when CONFIG_UBSAN_TRAP is enabled.

Why it matters to the business

System instability and potential denial of service from kernel panics on Linux systems using affected WiFi scheduling code, with elevated urgency due to listed threat actor interest in similar kernel issues.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker sends a specially crafted nl80211 scheduled scan request that reaches nl80211_parse_sched_scan without n_channels being set, causing the __counted_by bounds check to fail and trigger a panic. Espionage and financially motivated actors have targeted analogous Linux kernel out-of-bounds and uninitialized resource flaws in 2024 campaigns.

How to fix it

Update affected packages to the listed fixed versions including flashplugin-nonfree (Ubuntu:14.04:LTS) fixed in 11.2.202.632ubuntu0.14.04.1; apply kernel patches that initialize n_channels to allocated size before array population.

How to confirm the fix worked

Verify n_channels is initialized to the allocated buffer size prior to filling the channels array; confirm absence of UBSAN warnings or panics in sched scan paths after applying fixes.

Typical attack path

1. Locate systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions with nl80211 sched scan support
2. Craft and transmit a malicious nl80211 scheduled scan request via wireless interface
3. Trigger nl80211_parse_sched_scan with uninitialized n_channels value
4. Activate bounds sanitizer check leading to kernel warning or panic

How to detect it

Search kernel logs for UBSAN bounds check violations or panics referencing nl80211_parse_sched_scan or cfg80211_scan_request; correlate with wireless interface activity around the time of any crashes.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize kernel updates on all Linux systems exposing WiFi interfaces
• Enable CONFIG_UBSAN and monitor for related sanitizer reports
• Review wireless configuration to limit scheduled scan exposure where feasible