CVE-2024-53190 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Realtek USB WiFi driver (specifically rtlwifi/rtl8192cu). The issue arises during the efuse read procedure, which is part of the EEPROM loading process. The vulnerable function read_efuse_byte() performs I/O read attempts up to 10,000 times in case of failures, causing the driver probe routine to hang for an extended period (measured at approximately 15 seconds per read attempt in the Syzkaller reproducer). This excessive retry loop leads to a hung task state, particularly visible during system reboot attempts, where kernel worker threads become stuck waiting on USB control messages. The root cause is the inefficient handling of efuse byte reads over inherently slower USB interfaces, which can cause significant delays and system unresponsiveness. The proposed fix drastically reduces the retry attempts from 10,000 to 10 for USB devices, restoring system responsiveness without compromising device functionality. This fix is considered suitable for backporting to stable kernel versions, especially within the 6.x series. The vulnerability was discovered through fuzzing with Syzkaller, which emulated a Realtek USB WiFi adapter and triggered the hang condition. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and the issue primarily affects Linux systems using Realtek USB WiFi adapters with the rtl8192cu driver. The vulnerability does not involve privilege escalation or direct code execution but can cause denial of service through prolonged driver probe hangs and system instability.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-53190 primarily manifests as a denial-of-service (DoS) condition on Linux systems utilizing affected Realtek USB WiFi adapters. This can lead to system hangs during device initialization or reboot, potentially disrupting network connectivity and operational continuity. Organizations relying on Linux-based infrastructure with these WiFi adapters—common in embedded systems, IoT devices, or endpoint laptops—may experience degraded performance or downtime. Critical environments such as industrial control systems, telecommunications, or public sector services that depend on stable wireless connectivity could be adversely affected. While the vulnerability does not enable remote code execution or data breaches, the induced system unresponsiveness could be exploited by attackers to cause service interruptions or complicate incident response efforts. Given the widespread use of Linux in European enterprise and government sectors, especially in countries with strong open-source adoption, the vulnerability poses a moderate operational risk if unpatched devices are present.

To mitigate CVE-2024-53190, European organizations should: 1) Apply the latest Linux kernel updates that include the fix reducing efuse read retry attempts from 10,000 to 10, ensuring the patch is backported to stable kernel versions in use. 2) Identify and inventory devices using the rtl8192cu driver with Realtek USB WiFi adapters, prioritizing critical systems for patching. 3) Where kernel updates are not immediately feasible, consider disabling or replacing affected USB WiFi adapters with alternatives not using the vulnerable driver. 4) Implement monitoring for kernel hung tasks and USB device probe failures to detect symptoms of this issue proactively. 5) For embedded or IoT devices, coordinate with vendors to obtain firmware or kernel patches addressing this vulnerability. 6) Incorporate this vulnerability into vulnerability management and patch cycles, ensuring timely remediation. 7) Test kernel updates in controlled environments to confirm stability and compatibility before wide deployment.