CVE-2024-50302 is a high-severity vulnerability found in the Linux kernel's Human Interface Device (HID) core subsystem. The issue arises because the report buffer, which is allocated and used by various HID drivers, was not zero-initialized before use. This flaw could allow specially crafted HID reports to leak kernel memory contents, potentially exposing sensitive information. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-908, which relates to improper control of dynamically allocated memory, leading to information disclosure. The Linux kernel developers addressed this by modifying the allocation process to zero-initialize the report buffer, ensuring that no residual kernel memory data can be leaked through HID reports. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting a high severity due to the vulnerability's impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring low privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). Exploitation does not require elevated privileges beyond local access, and the scope remains unchanged (S:U). Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the vulnerability's nature means it could be leveraged by attackers with local access to extract sensitive kernel memory, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system compromise. The affected versions include multiple Linux kernel commits identified by specific hashes, indicating that this vulnerability affects certain recent kernel builds prior to the patch. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for systems that rely on HID devices and run unpatched Linux kernels, including desktops, servers, and embedded devices.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-50302 can be significant, especially for those relying heavily on Linux-based infrastructure. The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive kernel memory, which may contain cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data. This exposure can facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation or persistent compromise. Industries with critical infrastructure, financial services, telecommunications, and government agencies in Europe often deploy Linux servers and workstations, making them potential targets. Additionally, embedded Linux devices used in industrial control systems or IoT deployments across Europe could be vulnerable. The local attack vector means that threat actors or malicious insiders with local access could exploit this flaw, increasing the risk in environments where physical or remote local access is possible. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as proof-of-concept exploits could emerge. The vulnerability's impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability underscores the need for timely patching to maintain trust and compliance with European data protection regulations such as GDPR.

European organizations should prioritize patching affected Linux kernel versions as soon as updates become available. Since the vulnerability requires local access, organizations should also enforce strict access controls and limit local user privileges to reduce exploitation risk. Implementing robust endpoint security solutions that monitor for unusual HID device activity or kernel memory access attempts can provide additional detection capabilities. Network segmentation can help isolate critical Linux systems from less trusted networks or users. For embedded devices or systems where immediate patching is challenging, consider disabling unused HID interfaces or restricting device connections to trusted peripherals only. Regularly auditing and updating Linux kernel versions in use, combined with vulnerability scanning focused on kernel security, will help maintain a secure environment. Additionally, organizations should educate system administrators about the risks of local privilege vulnerabilities and encourage adherence to the principle of least privilege. Monitoring vendor advisories and subscribing to security bulletins will ensure timely awareness of patches and exploit developments.