CVE-2024-57988 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 02/27/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
Bluetooth: btbcm: Fix NULL deref in btbcm_get_board_name()
devm_kstrdup() can return a NULL pointer on failure,but this returned value in btbcm_get_board_name() is not checked. Add NULL check in btbcm_get_board_name(), to handle kernel NULL pointer dereference error.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-57988 represents a critical null pointer dereference issue within the Linux kernel's Bluetooth subsystem, specifically affecting the btbcm driver component. This flaw exists in the btbcm_get_board_name() function where the devm_kstrdup() memory allocation function is invoked to duplicate a string containing board information. The devm_kstrdup() function is designed to allocate memory and copy strings, but it can fail and return a NULL pointer when memory allocation is unsuccessful. The absence of proper null pointer validation in the btbcm_get_board_name() function creates a scenario where a subsequent dereference operation on this NULL value results in a kernel panic or system crash, fundamentally compromising system stability.
This vulnerability falls under the category of improper null pointer dereference as classified by CWE-476, which specifically addresses the condition where a null pointer is dereferenced without proper validation. The btbcm driver operates within the Bluetooth subsystem of the Linux kernel, handling Bluetooth chip configuration and board identification for Broadcom Bluetooth chips. The flaw manifests when the kernel attempts to process Bluetooth device board information during initialization or configuration phases, particularly when dealing with memory allocation failures that occur during string duplication operations. The operational impact extends beyond simple system instability as this vulnerability can be exploited to cause denial of service conditions, potentially affecting devices that rely on Bluetooth connectivity for critical operations.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to trigger the specific code path that invokes btbcm_get_board_name() function while the system is under memory pressure or in a state where memory allocation fails. This typically occurs during system boot processes when Bluetooth devices are being initialized or when the kernel attempts to retrieve board-specific configuration information from Bluetooth chipsets. The attack surface is primarily limited to systems running the affected Linux kernel versions with Bluetooth hardware that utilizes the btbcm driver, making it a targeted vulnerability that affects embedded systems, mobile devices, and IoT platforms that depend on Broadcom Bluetooth chipsets. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the kernel level where successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise or denial of service conditions that persist until system reboot.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-57988 involve applying the official kernel patch that implements proper null pointer validation in the btbcm_get_board_name() function. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernel versions to include the fix, which specifically adds a NULL check after the devm_kstrdup() call to prevent the kernel from attempting to dereference a null pointer. Additionally, organizations should implement robust monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all Bluetooth-related services are properly configured to handle memory allocation failures gracefully. The fix aligns with the ATT&CK framework's defense evasion techniques by preventing malicious actors from leveraging kernel-level vulnerabilities to maintain persistent access or cause system instability. Regular security audits should include verification that all kernel components properly validate memory allocation results, and system administrators should maintain updated security patches to protect against similar vulnerabilities in the Bluetooth subsystem and other kernel drivers.