CVE-2024-53142: Linux kernel · initramfs: avoid filename buffer overrun
Source GCVE Database
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.8 High.
Data as of 30 Oct 2026, 00:43 UTC
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 6 Dec 2024
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponized: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 29 Oct 2026.
What to do
AI-suggested
Since exploitation requires full system control to create initramfs entries, the vulnerability should be considered low risk in typical environments until a patch is available. Monitor vendor advisories for updates and apply official fixes once released.
Description
CVE-2024-53142 is a high-severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel's initramfs handling code where a filename buffer overrun can occur if a cpio archive entry lacks a zero-terminated filename. This flaw can cause the kernel to read uninitialized memory beyond the intended filename, potentially creating files with trailing garbage data. However, exploitation requires the ability to create or modify initramfs entries, which implies full system control, limiting the practical security impact.
References
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-53142 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/1a423bbbeaf9e3e20c4686501efd9b661fe834db (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/49d01e736c3045319e030d1e75fb983011abaca7 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/6983b8ac787b3add5571cda563574932a59a99bb (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/bb7ac96670ab1d8d681015f9d66e45dad579af4d (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/c509b1acbd867d9e09580fe059a924cb5825afb1 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/d3df9f26cff97beaa5643e551031795d5d5cddbe (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/e017671f534dd3f568db9e47b0583e853d2da9b5 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/f892ddcf9f645380c358e73653cb0900f6bc9eb8 (opens in a new tab)
- git.kernel.org/stable/c/fb83b093f75806333b6f4ae29b158d2e0e3ec971 (opens in a new tab)
- lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/03/msg00001.html (opens in a new tab)
- lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2025/03/msg00002.html (opens in a new tab)