CVE-2024-46825 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 09/27/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: iwlwifi: mvm: use IWL_FW_CHECK for link ID check
The lookup function iwl_mvm_rcu_fw_link_id_to_link_conf() is normally called with input from the firmware, so it should use IWL_FW_CHECK() instead of WARN_ON().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-46825 affects the Linux kernel's iwlwifi wireless driver module, specifically within the iwlwifi medium access control virtual machine component. This issue resides in the wireless networking subsystem where firmware communication and link management operations occur. The vulnerability stems from an improper error handling mechanism within the firmware link identification process, creating a potential stability and security risk in wireless network operations. The iwlwifi driver manages Intel wireless network adapters and provides the interface between the hardware and the operating system's networking stack, making this a critical component for wireless connectivity across various Linux distributions.
The technical flaw manifests in the iwl_mvm_rcu_fw_link_id_to_link_conf() lookup function which processes link identification information received from the firmware. Under normal operating conditions, this function receives input data from the firmware that should be validated and processed appropriately. The vulnerability occurs because the function uses WARN_ON() macro instead of the more appropriate IWL_FW_CHECK() macro for validating firmware-provided link identifiers. This improper validation approach can lead to unexpected behavior when malformed or malicious firmware data is processed, potentially causing system instability or denial of service conditions. The WARN_ON() macro generates kernel log warnings but does not prevent execution flow continuation, whereas IWL_FW_CHECK() provides proper validation and error handling that prevents unsafe operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system stability concerns to encompass potential security implications for wireless network operations. When firmware provides invalid link identification data, the current implementation may continue processing potentially corrupted information, leading to unpredictable behavior in wireless network management. This could manifest as wireless connectivity disruptions, system crashes, or in worst-case scenarios, could enable attackers to manipulate wireless network operations through crafted firmware responses. The vulnerability affects systems using Intel wireless network adapters that rely on the iwlwifi driver, particularly those running kernel versions that have not received the specific patch addressing this issue. The risk is elevated in environments where wireless network stability is critical, such as enterprise networks, IoT deployments, or mobile computing scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on applying the appropriate kernel security patch that implements the IWL_FW_CHECK() macro in place of WARN_ON() for firmware link validation. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernel installations to versions that include the fix, typically found in kernel releases following the patch submission. The fix aligns with security best practices by implementing proper input validation for firmware data, which is a fundamental requirement for maintaining system integrity in embedded and hardware driver contexts. Organizations should also consider monitoring kernel logs for any warnings that might indicate the occurrence of this vulnerability before patching, though this is not a recommended long-term solution. The mitigation approach follows established cybersecurity principles for firmware security and demonstrates the importance of proper error handling in kernel space operations where firmware interactions can directly impact system stability and security posture.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-248 Uncaught Exception and CWE-754 Improper Check for Unusual or Exceptional Conditions within the CWE classification system, highlighting the improper handling of exceptional conditions in kernel space code. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be leveraged in initial access or privilege escalation scenarios, particularly in environments where wireless network stability is essential for system operations. The issue demonstrates the broader challenge of firmware security within operating system components and reinforces the need for robust input validation mechanisms in kernel drivers that interface with hardware components. Security professionals should view this as part of a larger category of vulnerabilities affecting embedded system interfaces and firmware communication protocols, emphasizing the critical importance of proper error handling and validation in kernel space operations.