CVE-2024-53208 – This is a use-after-free vulnerability in the L... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2024-53208?

CVE-2024-53208 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). This is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth management subsystem that allows reading freed memory. Attackers could potentially cause kernel crashes or leak sensitive information. Systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions with Bluetooth enabled are affected.

📋 TL;DR

This is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth management subsystem that allows reading freed memory. Attackers could potentially cause kernel crashes or leak sensitive information. Systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions with Bluetooth enabled are affected.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Linux Kernel

Versions: Specific vulnerable versions not explicitly stated in CVE; check kernel commit references for affected releases.

Operating Systems: Linux distributions using vulnerable kernel versions

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Only affects systems with Bluetooth functionality enabled and in use. The vulnerability is in the MGMT (management) subsystem handling Bluetooth power state changes.

📦 What is this software?

Linux Kernel by Linux

The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...

Learn more about Linux Kernel →

Linux Kernel by Linux

The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...

Learn more about Linux Kernel →

Linux Kernel by Linux

The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...

Learn more about Linux Kernel →

Linux Kernel by Linux

The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...

Learn more about Linux Kernel →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Kernel panic leading to denial of service, potential information disclosure of kernel memory contents, or local privilege escalation if combined with other vulnerabilities.

🟠

Likely Case

Kernel crash/panic causing system instability or denial of service, requiring reboot to restore functionality.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if Bluetooth is disabled or system is not accepting Bluetooth connections.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This is a local kernel vulnerability requiring Bluetooth access, not directly exploitable over internet.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Requires local access or Bluetooth proximity; could be exploited by malicious insiders or via compromised devices within Bluetooth range.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires ability to trigger Bluetooth management operations; likely requires local access or Bluetooth device interaction. The CWE-416 (Use After Free) suggests memory corruption potential.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Check kernel commits: 0b882940665ca2849386ee459d4331aa2f8c4e7d, 6b75f32bce90c085c89c45761373d940fdcff68c, 87819234aa1d2a0cb0f962fabb335e798f5ec8b2, 95f7a972194ad20696c36523b54c19a3567e0697, cdfc818ffdfeb8266351ed59b6d884056009a095

Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0b882940665ca2849386ee459d4331aa2f8c4e7d

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution vendor. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify kernel version after reboot.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable Bluetooth

linux

Completely disable Bluetooth functionality to prevent exploitation

sudo systemctl stop bluetooth
sudo systemctl disable bluetooth
sudo rfkill block bluetooth

Block Bluetooth Management Interface

linux

Prevent access to Bluetooth management operations

sudo modprobe -r btusb
echo 'blacklist btusb' | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/disable-bluetooth.conf

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Disable Bluetooth hardware and services completely
Implement strict Bluetooth device pairing policies and monitor for unauthorized connections

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check kernel version and compare with patched versions from kernel commits. Vulnerable if running affected kernel with Bluetooth enabled.

Check Version:

uname -r

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify kernel version matches patched version from distribution. Check that Bluetooth functions normally without crashes during power state changes.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Kernel panic logs
KASAN reports mentioning 'slab-use-after-free' in set_powered_sync
Bluetooth subsystem crashes

Network Indicators:

Unusual Bluetooth connection attempts
Multiple Bluetooth management operations in short time

SIEM Query:

source="kernel" AND ("KASAN" OR "slab-use-after-free" OR "set_powered_sync")

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2024-53208

CVSS v3 Score: 7.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-416

Published: December 27, 2024

Last Updated: November 3, 2025

🔗 References

📤 Share & Export

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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