CVE-2024-53197 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the Linux kernel's ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) USB audio driver, specifically targeting Extigy and Mbox USB audio devices. The root cause lies in improper handling of the bNumConfigurations field provided by USB devices. A malicious or malformed USB audio device can present a bNumConfigurations value larger than the initially allocated size for the device's configuration structures (dev->config). This discrepancy leads to out-of-bounds memory accesses during operations such as usb_destroy_configuration. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write), indicating that the kernel may read or write memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. Exploiting this flaw requires local privileges (PR:L) but does not require user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning an attacker must have physical or logical access to the affected system to connect a malicious USB device. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), as out-of-bounds accesses can lead to kernel memory corruption, potentially resulting in privilege escalation, arbitrary code execution within the kernel context, or system crashes (denial of service). The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel prior to the patch. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the presence of a patch and a CVSS score of 7.8 underscores the seriousness of the issue. This vulnerability highlights the risks associated with USB device handling in the kernel, especially for audio devices that may be connected to a wide range of systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, particularly for enterprises and institutions that rely on Linux-based systems with USB audio devices such as Extigy and Mbox. The potential for local privilege escalation means that if an attacker gains physical access or can trick a user into connecting a malicious USB device, they could compromise the entire system. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical services, or lateral movement within networks. Industries with high reliance on Linux servers or workstations, including telecommunications, media production, research institutions, and government agencies, are especially vulnerable. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability could result in data breaches, operational downtime, and reputational damage. Additionally, the vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks against organizations with stringent security requirements or those in sensitive sectors. Given the local attack vector, the threat is more pronounced in environments where physical security controls are lax or where USB device usage is common and less regulated.

1. Immediate patching: Apply the latest Linux kernel updates that address CVE-2024-53197 as soon as they become available. Monitor vendor advisories and distribution-specific security updates. 2. USB device control: Implement strict policies to control the use of USB devices, especially audio devices. Use endpoint security solutions that can whitelist approved USB devices and block unknown or suspicious ones. 3. Physical security enhancements: Restrict physical access to critical systems to prevent unauthorized connection of malicious USB devices. 4. Kernel hardening: Employ kernel security modules such as SELinux or AppArmor to limit the impact of potential exploits. 5. Monitoring and detection: Deploy host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) that can detect anomalous kernel behavior or crashes potentially related to out-of-bounds memory accesses. 6. User awareness: Educate users about the risks of connecting untrusted USB devices and enforce policies that prohibit the use of personal or unknown peripherals on corporate systems. 7. USBGuard or similar tools: Utilize Linux tools designed to manage and restrict USB device authorization dynamically, reducing the attack surface. These measures combined will reduce the likelihood of exploitation and limit the potential damage if exploitation occurs.