CVE-2024-57993 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically related to the hid-thrustmaster driver, which manages USB Human Interface Devices (HID) from the Thrustmaster brand. The issue was discovered by syzbot, an automated kernel fuzzing tool, which found a type mismatch between a USB pipe and the transfer endpoint in the driver code. This mismatch arises because the driver did not properly verify the endpoint type before proceeding, leading to a warning and potential instability. The root cause is the absence of an endpoint type check in the thrustmaster_probe function, which is responsible for initializing the device. Similar issues have been previously identified and fixed in related drivers by implementing endpoint type validation. The fix for this vulnerability involves adding the necessary endpoint type check to ensure that the USB pipe and transfer endpoint types match, preventing the warning and potential misuse of the USB interface. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability could theoretically be triggered by connecting a malicious or malformed USB device that interacts with the hid-thrustmaster driver. Since this vulnerability is in the Linux kernel, it affects all Linux distributions that include the affected kernel versions containing the vulnerable driver code. The affected versions are identified by specific commit hashes, indicating the vulnerability is present in certain kernel builds prior to the patch. This vulnerability is primarily a stability and reliability issue rather than a direct security compromise such as privilege escalation or remote code execution. However, improper handling of USB endpoints could potentially be leveraged in complex attack scenarios to cause denial of service or unexpected behavior in systems using the affected driver.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-57993 is mostly related to system stability and reliability rather than direct data breaches or system takeovers. Organizations that rely on Linux systems with USB HID devices from Thrustmaster—commonly used in gaming, simulation, or specialized input scenarios—may experience system warnings or crashes if the vulnerability is triggered. While this may not directly compromise sensitive data, it could disrupt operations, particularly in environments where USB devices are critical for input or control, such as in industrial control systems, research labs, or multimedia production. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks aiming to cause denial of service or to destabilize systems. European organizations with large Linux deployments, especially those using custom or specialized USB devices, should be aware of this issue. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date kernel versions to ensure stability and security. Given the widespread use of Linux in European public sector, academia, and private enterprises, unpatched systems could face operational disruptions if exposed to malicious USB devices exploiting this flaw.

To mitigate CVE-2024-57993, European organizations should: 1) Update Linux kernels to versions that include the patch fixing the endpoint type check in the hid-thrustmaster driver. Since the vulnerability is identified by specific commit hashes, organizations should track kernel release notes and apply updates promptly. 2) Implement strict USB device control policies, including whitelisting approved USB devices and disabling unused USB ports, to reduce the risk of malicious USB devices being connected. 3) Employ endpoint security solutions capable of monitoring USB device behavior and blocking suspicious activity. 4) For environments where Thrustmaster devices are used, conduct testing after kernel updates to ensure device compatibility and stability. 5) Maintain robust system monitoring to detect unusual kernel warnings or crashes related to USB devices, enabling rapid response. 6) Educate IT staff about the risks of USB device vulnerabilities and the importance of timely patch management. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on kernel patching, device control, and monitoring specific to the nature of this vulnerability.