CVE-2024-35845 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/17/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: iwlwifi: dbg-tlv: ensure NUL termination
The iwl_fw_ini_debug_info_tlv is used as a string, so we must ensure the string is terminated correctly before using it.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-35845 resides within the Linux kernel's iwlwifi wireless driver component, specifically addressing a critical issue in the debug TLV (Type-Length-Value) processing mechanism. This flaw manifests in the handling of firmware debug information structures where the iwl_fw_ini_debug_info_tlv data structure is treated as a string but fails to maintain proper null termination. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer over-read condition that could potentially lead to memory corruption or information disclosure when the driver processes malformed debug information from wireless firmware components. The issue directly impacts wireless network adapters supported by the iwlwifi driver, particularly those using Intel wireless chipsets that rely on firmware-based debugging capabilities.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the driver processes debug TLV information from wireless firmware without ensuring proper null termination of string data structures before subsequent string operations. This condition creates a scenario where string functions may read beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially accessing uninitialized memory or adjacent data structures. The vulnerability specifically affects the iwl_fw_ini_debug_info_tlv structure which serves as a container for debug information but is incorrectly handled as a null-terminated string without proper validation. This type of error falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and more specifically aligns with CWE-122, stack-based buffer overflow, when considering the memory access patterns involved in string processing operations. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and memory management practices that violate fundamental secure coding principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends to wireless network functionality and system stability across Linux systems utilizing Intel wireless adapters. An attacker could potentially exploit this condition through malicious firmware or by manipulating debug information structures to cause memory corruption, leading to system crashes, denial of service conditions, or in more severe scenarios, arbitrary code execution within kernel space. The vulnerability affects systems where wireless debugging features are enabled and the iwlwifi driver processes firmware debug information, which could occur during normal operation or during firmware update processes. This represents a privilege escalation vector since kernel memory corruption could potentially be leveraged to gain elevated privileges or compromise system integrity. The attack surface is primarily limited to systems with affected wireless hardware and kernel versions containing the vulnerable code path, but the potential for exploitation remains significant given the kernel-level nature of the flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-35845 should focus on immediate patch application from trusted sources, as the Linux kernel maintainers have already resolved this issue through proper null termination of the debug TLV string handling. System administrators should prioritize updating their kernel versions to include the fix, which typically involves ensuring the iwlwifi driver properly terminates strings before processing. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict firmware validation procedures and monitoring wireless network traffic for unusual debug information patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in kernel space operations and the necessity of proper string handling practices, particularly when dealing with externally provided data. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel hardening measures such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel module signing to reduce the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities. The fix aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.003 for kernel-level command execution and emphasizes the critical need for secure coding practices in kernel development environments where memory safety is paramount for system integrity.