In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified that affects the wifi module, specifically related to the rtw88 driver. This vulnerability allows the function rtw8822b_set_antenna() to be called from userspace while the chip is powered off, resulting in a WARNING being triggered in rtw8822b_config_trx_mode(). The improper handling of this situation occurs when an attempt is made to read RF registers while the chip is powered off, leading to unexpected values.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as medium with a CVSS score of 5.5. This indicates that while the vulnerability requires low privileges and low attack complexity, it poses a high availability impact when exploited. The potential exploitation of this vulnerability can disrupt the normal operation of the affected systems.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately as the risk to systems can result in disruptions to services relying on the affected kernel versions. Awareness of the vulnerability's existence and the urgency for remediation is crucial for maintaining system integrity.
The vulnerability was published on May 8, 2026, and is classified under the Linux kernel, affecting multiple versions. The issue has been acknowledged and resolved in subsequent updates.
Organizations should check their systems for affected kernel versions and apply available patches without delay. Regular updates and monitoring of kernel vulnerabilities are essential to safeguard against potential exploits.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows attackers to trigger warnings by executing specific functions when the hardware is not in an operational state, specifically in the wifi module of the Linux kernel. The CVSS score of 5.5 indicates this is a medium severity issue.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper checks in the rtw8822b_set_antenna() function, which can be called from userspace without verifying that the chip is powered on. This lack of validation leads to attempts to read RF registers that are not accessible, generating warnings and potentially leading to system instability.
The attack vector is classified as local, requiring low privileges to exploit. User interaction is not necessary, making it easier for a malicious user with local access to potentially disrupt system operations.
The implications for confidentiality and integrity are low, but the availability impact is rated as high, necessitating immediate attention to mitigate any disruptions.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential disruptions in network services and operational instability due to the affected kernel versions. The vulnerability presents a significant risk because of its high availability impact, which can lead to system outages or degraded performance.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to prevent potential exploitation. Given the widespread use of the Linux kernel in various environments, the blast radius could be extensive, affecting numerous systems.
With an EPS score of 0.000320000, this vulnerability is currently ranked in the lower percentiles, suggesting a lower likelihood of exploitation at this time. However, the potential high impact necessitates that organizations remain vigilant.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of the Linux kernel are affected: 5.8 through 6.1.165, 6.2 through 6.6.128, 6.7 through 6.12.75, 6.13 through 6.18.16, and 6.19 through 6.19.6. Organizations should ensure they are running patched versions to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches to their Linux kernel installations to remediate this vulnerability. It is crucial to upgrade to versions that are not affected and to follow best practices for maintaining system security.
For further guidance on securing Linux environments, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor system logs for unusual behavior, particularly related to the wifi module and any errors reported by the kernel.
Behavioral anomalies related to user space interactions with the wifi hardware should also be logged and reviewed regularly.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability underscores the importance of thorough testing and validation of hardware interactions within software applications. Security teams should ensure that proper checks are implemented to prevent improper function calls that can lead to system warnings or failures.
The trend of vulnerabilities related to hardware interfaces highlights the need for ongoing security assessments in software development processes. Organizations are encouraged to adopt vulnerability management programs to proactively identify and mitigate such risks.
Furthermore, as organizations increasingly rely on the Linux kernel for critical operations, maintaining an effective penetration testing methodology can help ensure that these types of vulnerabilities are detected and remediated in a timely manner.
In conclusion, organizations should take immediate action to patch affected versions of the Linux kernel and implement robust security practices to safeguard their systems.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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