Linux Kernel USB-Audio Driver Out-of-Bounds Access (CVE-2024-53197)

Historical catalog analysis: CISA added this entry on April 09, 2025. The entry reflects catalog information retrieved on August 31, 2026, not a snapshot archived on the inclusion date. Check current vendor guidance before acting.

What the vulnerability is

CVE-2024-53197 is an out-of-bounds access vulnerability (CWE-787) located within the USB-audio driver of the Linux kernel. This flaw allows a threat actor to potentially manipulate system memory, escalate privileges, or execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Exposure and applicability

This vulnerability specifically affects systems running the Linux kernel that utilize the affected USB-audio driver. The attack vector is limited to physical access; an attacker must be able to connect a malicious USB device directly to the hardware to trigger the flaw. Consequently, exposure is highest for workstations, kiosks, or servers in environments where physical perimeter security is weak or where untrusted USB peripherals are permitted.

Remediation priorities

Our analysis suggests prioritizing remediation based on the level of physical access available to non-authorized personnel. We recommend the following actions:

1. Patch Deployment: Apply kernel updates and mitigations as specified by the vendor. This is the primary method for addressing the underlying out-of-bounds access flaw.
2. Physical Port Control: For high-sensitivity systems where patching cannot be immediate, restrict physical access to USB ports to prevent the insertion of unauthorized devices.
3. Cloud Environment Review: Organizations utilizing Linux-based cloud services should review their configurations in accordance with BOD 22-01 guidance to ensure that virtualized hardware interfaces do not introduce unexpected exposure paths.
4. Component Decommissioning: If a vendor mitigation is unavailable and the system cannot be physically secured, discontinue use of the affected product or driver.

How to validate remediation

Verification must go beyond a simple version check. To ensure that exposure has been reduced, defenders should:
* Verify Patch Application: Confirm through package management logs that the specific kernel update addressing CVE-2024-53197 is active and running in memory.
* Validate Hardware Restrictions: For systems relying on physical controls, audit the hardware state to ensure USB ports are disabled or physically blocked where applicable.
* Vendor Validation: Follow vendor-provided validation steps to confirm that the driver’s memory handling has been corrected.

Limits and open questions

While patching reduces the likelihood of exploitation, residual risk remains if physical access is not strictly controlled. It is currently unknown whether this vulnerability has been utilized in known ransomware campaigns. Furthermore, because this affects a common open-source component, the exact impact may vary across different Linux distributions and hardware configurations.

Source and editorial note

CVE-2024-53197: Linux Kernel Out-of-Bounds Access Vulnerability · Source date: April 09, 2025 · Retrieved August 31, 2026.

Material facts are tied to the cited primary source. Recommendations are independent defensive analysis unless attributed to the source. Confirm consequential decisions against current authoritative guidance.

Archive date: April 12, 2025. The displayed post date is assigned three days after the source date to organize this retrospective archive; it does not mean this site published the analysis then. First published by this site: October 18, 2026 at 00:31 UTC.

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