CVE-2024-58062 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: iwlwifi: mvm: avoid NULL pointer dereference
When iterating over the links of a vif, we need to make sure that the pointer is valid (in other words - that the link exists) before dereferncing it. Use for_each_vif_active_link that also does the check.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-58062 affects the Linux kernel's iwlwifi wireless driver module, specifically within the mac80211 subsystem responsible for managing wireless network interfaces. This issue represents a classic null pointer dereference vulnerability that occurs during the processing of wireless virtual interface links. The flaw manifests when the driver iterates over multiple links associated with a virtual interface without proper validation of pointer integrity, creating a potential crash condition that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper validation of wireless interface link pointers during iteration operations. When the iwlwifi driver processes multiple links within a virtual interface structure, it fails to verify that each link pointer is valid before attempting to dereference it. This oversight creates a scenario where a null pointer dereference can occur, leading to kernel panic or system instability. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-476 as a NULL Pointer Dereference, which represents a fundamental programming error where code assumes a pointer will not be null without proper validation. The specific implementation flaw occurs in the mac80211 subsystem's handling of wireless virtual interfaces, where the driver should have employed proper iteration mechanisms that include null checks.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-58062 extends beyond simple system crashes, as it can potentially enable denial of service attacks against wireless networking capabilities. Systems running affected kernel versions may experience complete wireless interface failures, disrupting network connectivity for devices relying on iwlwifi drivers such as Intel wireless adapters. This vulnerability affects various Linux distributions that utilize the iwlwifi driver, particularly those supporting multiple virtual interface configurations or mesh networking scenarios. The attack surface is significant in enterprise and consumer environments where wireless networking is critical for operations, as an attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to cause persistent network outages or system instability, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1499.1 for network disruption and system resource exhaustion.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-58062 focus primarily on applying the kernel patch that implements proper null pointer validation through the use of for_each_vif_active_link macro. This solution addresses the core issue by ensuring that link pointers are validated before dereferencing operations occur. System administrators should prioritize updating their kernel versions to include the patched implementation, which specifically addresses the missing validation check that was previously absent in the wireless interface link iteration process. The fix represents a defensive programming approach that aligns with secure coding practices recommended by both the Linux kernel community and cybersecurity standards, ensuring that all pointer operations include proper null validation. Organizations should also implement monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain updated security patches across all wireless networking infrastructure to prevent unauthorized access to wireless services.