Linux Kernel Memory Leak (CVE-2024-50302)

Historical catalog analysis: CISA added this entry on March 04, 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-2024-50302 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel categorized as a use of uninitialized resource (CWE-908). This flaw enables an attacker to leak kernel memory by utilizing a specially crafted Human Interface Device (HID) report. The inclusion of this CVE in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog indicates that it is viewed as a high-priority risk for infrastructure owners.

Exposure and applicability

This vulnerability affects systems running the Linux kernel that process HID reports. Because the Linux kernel is a foundational component used across a vast array of distributions, cloud environments, and embedded devices, exposure is widespread. Organizations utilizing cloud services should specifically reference BOD 22-01 guidance to determine their exposure and remediation obligations.

Remediation priorities

Based on our analysis, vulnerability management teams should prioritize the following actions:

1. Identify Affected Assets: Inventory all Linux-based systems, prioritizing those that interface with HID devices or are exposed to untrusted hardware/input sources.
2. Apply Vendor Patches: Deploy updates according to specific vendor instructions. Because this is a kernel-level flaw, remediation requires updating the core system image and performing a reboot to ensure the new kernel is active.
3. Evaluate Cloud Exposure: For workloads in cloud environments, verify if the provider has applied the necessary mitigations at the hypervisor or guest OS level as per BOD 22-01.
4. Decommission Unpatchable Systems: If a vendor cannot provide a mitigation for a legacy system, our analysis suggests discontinuing use of the affected product to eliminate the exposure path.

How to validate remediation

Verification must go beyond a simple version check. To ensure that the vulnerability has been mitigated, defenders should:

• Confirm Patch Application: Verify through package manager logs or kernel build dates that the specific vendor-supplied fix for CVE-2024-50302 was successfully installed.
• Verify Active Kernel: Use system tools to confirm that the currently running kernel version matches the patched version, as a pending reboot often leaves a system vulnerable despite a patch being present on disk.
• Configuration Audit: Ensure that any compensating controls suggested by the vendor are active and enforced across the fleet.

Limits and open questions

While patching reduces the likelihood of exploitation, residual risk remains if unauthorized HID devices can be connected to the system. It is currently unknown whether this vulnerability has been utilized in ransomware campaigns. Furthermore, because the Linux kernel is integrated into many third-party products, some organizations may be dependent on upstream vendors for patches before they can verify remediation.

Source and editorial note

CVE-2024-50302: Linux Kernel Use of Uninitialized Resource Vulnerability · Source date: March 04, 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: March 07, 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 22, 2026 at 01:00 UTC.

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