Description Preview
In the Linux kernel, the Realtek rtw88 wireless driver could allocate insufficient memory during hardware scanning (hw_scan), leading to memory overrun and potential memory leaks, especially when the path returned early. This was addressed by ensuring the correct allocation size is used and by implementing a proper deinitialization flow, preventing buffer overflows and related kernel faults. The fix is reflected in the stable kernel updates and associated commits, with affected ranges delineated and corrected in subsequent releases.
Overview
The rtw88 memory overrun and memory leak issue during hw_scan affected certain kernel revisions and was resolved by applying fixes that ensure correct memory sizing and proper deinitialization. The patch prevents writing beyond allocated buffers and mitigates leaks when exiting the hw_scan path. Upstream and distribution patches align to provide safe, stable behavior in kernel releases after the fix.
Remediation
- Upgrade the Linux kernel to a version that includes the rtw88 fix (typically 5.18 or newer). If you are on the 5.17 series, ensure you receive the backported fix or move to a newer kernel line where the patch is included.
- If upgrading is not feasible, apply the backport patch to the Realtek rtw88 driver (fw.c) from the stable kernel commits referenced in the advisory, rebuild the kernel/module, and reboot.
- Update Realtek rtw88 firmware if a newer firmware package is available, and rebuild/reload modules as needed.
- After applying the fix, run hw_scan-related operations in a controlled environment and monitor dmesg/logs for any memory corruption or related errors to confirm the issue is resolved.
- Plan and test a full reboot and regression test to ensure no new faults are introduced in wireless functionality.
References
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- ManufacturingManufacturing: Medium
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration: Medium
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance: Medium
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
- Retail TradeRetail Trade: Low
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance: Low
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
- Educational ServicesEducational Services: Low
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing: Low
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises: Low
- InformationInformation: Low
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services: Low
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
- ConstructionConstruction: Low
- MiningMining: Low
- UtilitiesUtilities: Low
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade: Low
