External risk intelligence

Linux Kernel: USB Audio Driver Out-of-Bounds Access Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2024-53197

The Linux kernel's USB audio driver has an out-of-bounds access vulnerability. An attacker with physical access could connect a malicious USB device to manipulate system memory. This impacts organizations using specific Linux kernel versions, posing a risk of data corruption or unauthorized code execution.

1Halo Surface Signal

Out-of-bounds Write

Linux Kernel

2.6.12 to before 4.19.3254.20 to before 5.4.2875.5 to before 5.10.2315.11 to before 5.15.1745.16 to before 6.1.1206.2 to before 6.6.646.7 to before 6.11.116.12 to before 6.12.211.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2024-53197

This vulnerability resides within the Linux kernel's USB audio driver and requires physical access to connect a malicious USB device to the target system. It is not reachable via the public internet.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Linux kernel contains a vulnerability in its USB audio driver that could allow unauthorized system access. This flaw stems from improper handling of configuration data from certain USB devices. If exploited, it could lead to memory corruption, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or the execution of malicious code.

  • Linux kernel USB audio driver
  • Improper handling of device configuration
  • System memory manipulation

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A malicious USB device can be connected to a system, triggering an out-of-bounds access vulnerability within the Linux kernel's USB audio driver. This access allows for potential manipulation of system memory. The vulnerability affects specific versions of the Linux kernel and certain Debian Linux configurations.

  • Physical connection of a bogus device.
  • Attacker initiates device interaction.
  • Out-of-bounds access to memory.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

The Linux kernel has a vulnerability that could allow an attacker with local access to cause out-of-bounds memory access. This could potentially lead to data corruption, system instability, or unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability is present in the ALSA subsystem, specifically related to how USB audio devices are handled.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: Local access, physical access
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ALSA subsystem could allow a malicious USB device to cause out-of-bounds memory access, potentially impacting system stability and security. Organizations should prioritize identifying systems that may be vulnerable and implementing appropriate countermeasures. The issue specifically affects Extigy and Mbox devices.

  • Find affected assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nature of the vulnerability in the Linux kernel's USB audio driver?

The Linux kernel's USB audio driver has a vulnerability that can lead to out-of-bounds memory accesses. This occurs when a malicious or improperly configured USB device provides an incorrect value for the number of configurations it supports, causing issues in memory allocation and subsequent operations like usb_destroy_configuration.

How does the vulnerability in the Linux kernel's USB audio driver occur and what weakness class does it fall under?

The vulnerability is triggered when a bogus device provides an unexpected bNumConfigurations value, exceeding initial memory allocations. This can lead to out-of-bounds memory accesses, a weakness categorized as CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write).

What is the trigger path for the Linux kernel USB audio driver vulnerability and can its scope be negated?

The trigger path involves a malicious USB device being connected and providing a faulty bNumConfigurations value. This causes an out-of-bounds access within the kernel's memory management for USB configurations, potentially affecting the system's ability to properly handle device data.

What is the relevance of the Linux kernel USB audio driver vulnerability concerning Halo Surface Signal?

The Linux kernel USB audio driver vulnerability is assessed as 'Very unlikely' to be relevant to Halo Surface Signal. This is because the vulnerability requires physical access to connect a malicious USB device, and it is not reachable over the public internet.

What practical steps should be taken to address the Linux kernel USB audio driver vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all potentially vulnerable Linux kernel and Debian Linux assets. Implementing updates to mitigate the vulnerability is crucial. If direct patching is not immediately feasible, consider reducing the attack surface or isolating affected systems to minimize risk.

References