CVE-2024-36033 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/30/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
Bluetooth: qca: fix info leak when fetching board id
Add the missing sanity check when fetching the board id to avoid leaking slab data when later requesting the firmware.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-36033 represents a critical information disclosure issue within the Linux kernel's Bluetooth subsystem, specifically affecting the qca (Qualcomm Atheros) Bluetooth driver implementation. This flaw exists in the board identification fetching mechanism where the kernel fails to perform proper input validation before processing board ID requests. The vulnerability manifests when the system attempts to retrieve board identification data from hardware components, creating a scenario where insufficient boundary checks allow for memory access beyond intended buffer limits. The root cause lies in the absence of proper sanity checking procedures during the board ID acquisition process, which directly connects to the broader category of memory safety issues commonly classified under CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write. The qca Bluetooth driver component handles firmware requests for Qualcomm Atheros Bluetooth chips, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for devices relying on these wireless components for connectivity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information leakage, as it creates potential pathways for attackers to extract sensitive data from kernel memory regions. When the system requests firmware for Bluetooth hardware components, the missing sanity check allows for slab data leakage, which refers to the exposure of memory contents from the kernel's slab allocator system. This memory corruption vulnerability can potentially expose confidential information including cryptographic keys, system configuration details, or other sensitive kernel data structures. The attack surface is particularly significant for embedded systems and mobile devices that utilize Qualcomm Atheros Bluetooth chips, as these platforms often handle security-sensitive operations through their wireless connectivity. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter where attackers might leverage information disclosure to gain deeper system insights. The flaw specifically affects the firmware request handling mechanism, where the kernel's memory management subsystem fails to validate the board ID data before processing it for firmware retrieval operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-36033 require immediate kernel updates from vendors who have addressed this specific memory validation issue. The fix implemented in the patched kernel version introduces proper input validation checks before board ID data is processed, ensuring that memory access remains within defined boundaries. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running older kernel versions or embedded platforms that may not receive automatic updates. Organizations maintaining legacy systems should implement additional monitoring for unusual firmware request patterns or memory access anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. The fix demonstrates the importance of proper kernel memory management practices and aligns with security best practices outlined in the Linux kernel security documentation. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts through abnormal Bluetooth firmware request behaviors, as this vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks targeting the kernel's memory subsystem.