CVE-2024-53104 Linux Kernel Flaw Added to CISA’s KEV Catalog

On February 5, 2025, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) added CVE-2024-53104 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog. This addition highlights the critical nature of this vulnerability and the active exploitation it is facing. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of CVE-2024-53104, its impact, and the recommended mitigation measures:

Overview of CVE-2024-53104

Description

CVE-2024-53104 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability affecting the USB Video Class (UVC) driver in the Linux Kernel. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of specific video frame types in the uvc_parse_streaming function, particularly frames marked as UVC_VS_UNDEFINED. This improper handling can lead to buffer size miscalculations and subsequent out-of-bounds write conditions.

Technical Details

Root Cause

The vulnerability is triggered during the processing of UVC video frames. When frames are marked as UVC_VS_UNDEFINED, the driver fails to properly account for these frames during buffer size calculations. This oversight results in memory corruption, as data is written beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.

Exploitation Mechanism

1. Crafted USB Device: An attacker can craft a malicious USB device that provides specially crafted video frames.
2. Out-of-Bounds Write: When the device is connected to a system running the vulnerable Linux Kernel, the UVC driver processes the crafted frames, leading to an out-of-bounds write.
3. Privilege Escalation: This memory corruption can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, allowing the attacker to gain control over the affected system.

Impact

Potential Consequences

• Privilege Escalation: Successful exploitation allows attackers to elevate their privileges, potentially gaining root access to the system.
• Arbitrary Code Execution: Attackers can execute arbitrary code, leading to the installation of malware, data exfiltration, or further compromise of the system.
• System Instability: The vulnerability can cause system crashes and instability, disrupting normal operations.

Active Exploitation

Limited, Targeted Exploitation

There have been reports of limited, targeted exploitation of this vulnerability, particularly in Android devices. Attackers are leveraging malicious USB devices to exploit the vulnerability and compromise affected systems. This active exploitation underscores the urgency of addressing this vulnerability.

CVSS Score and Metrics

• Base Score: 8.8 (HIGH)
• Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
• Attack Vector (AV): Local – The vulnerability can be exploited locally, typically requiring physical access to connect a USB device.
• Attack Complexity (AC): Low – Exploitation does not require complex conditions to be met.
• Privileges Required (PR): Low – The attacker needs to have low-level privileges on the target system.
• User Interaction (UI): Required – Exploitation requires user interaction, such as connecting a malicious USB device.
• Scope (S): Changed – Exploitation can impact resources beyond the initially vulnerable component.
• Confidentiality (C): High – Exploitation can result in significant loss of confidentiality.
• Integrity (I): High – Exploitation can result in significant loss of integrity.
• Availability (A): High – Exploitation can result in significant loss of availability.

Mitigation Measures

To protect against the exploitation of CVE-2024-53104, organizations should implement the following mitigation measures:

1. Apply Kernel Updates

• Patch Deployment: The Linux Kernel maintainers have released patches to address this vulnerability. It is critical to apply these patches to all affected systems immediately.
• Version Verification: Ensure that the Linux Kernel version running on your systems includes the necessary security fixes. Verify that your systems are up-to-date with the latest kernel patches.

2. Use Automated Vulnerability Management Tools

• Detection and Remediation: Implement automated vulnerability management tools to scan for and identify systems affected by CVE-2024-53104. These tools can help streamline the detection and remediation process.
• Regular Scanning: Conduct regular vulnerability scans to ensure that all systems remain protected against known vulnerabilities.

3. Monitor for Suspicious Activity

• System Monitoring: Continuously monitor systems for any unusual activity or signs of exploitation. Implement security monitoring solutions to detect and respond to potential threats.
• Log Analysis: Regularly review system logs to identify indicators of compromise, such as unauthorized USB device connections or unexpected kernel messages.

4. Implement Access Controls

• Physical Security: Restrict physical access to systems, especially those that handle sensitive data or critical operations. Ensure that only authorized personnel can connect USB devices to these systems.
• User Privileges: Limit user privileges to the minimum necessary for their roles. Implement the principle of least privilege to reduce the risk of exploitation.

CISA’s Recommendations

CISA has mandated that Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies must remediate this vulnerability within three weeks to protect their networks against active threats.

Conclusion

The addition of CVE-2024-53104 to CISA’s KEV Catalog emphasizes the critical nature of this vulnerability and the active exploitation it faces. By applying the recommended patches, implementing robust security measures, and maintaining a proactive security posture, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability and protect their systems from potential exploitation.