CVE-2024-53213 – This CVE describes a double-free memory corrupt... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2024-53213?

CVE-2024-53213 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). This CVE describes a double-free memory corruption vulnerability in the Linux kernel's LAN78xx USB Ethernet driver. The vulnerability allows attackers with local access to potentially crash the kernel or execute arbitrary code. Systems using affected Linux kernel versions with the lan78xx driver loaded are vulnerable.

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a double-free memory corruption vulnerability in the Linux kernel's LAN78xx USB Ethernet driver. The vulnerability allows attackers with local access to potentially crash the kernel or execute arbitrary code. Systems using affected Linux kernel versions with the lan78xx driver loaded are vulnerable.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Linux kernel

Versions: Specific affected kernel versions not specified in CVE description; check git.kernel.org references for exact ranges

Operating Systems: Linux distributions using vulnerable kernel versions

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Only vulnerable when the lan78xx USB Ethernet driver is loaded and in use. Systems without LAN78xx USB Ethernet adapters are not affected.

📦 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 system crash or potential privilege escalation to kernel-level code execution, enabling complete system compromise.

🟠

Likely Case

Kernel panic causing system crash and denial of service, requiring physical or remote console access to reboot.

🟢

If Mitigated

System crash requiring reboot, but no privilege escalation due to additional security controls like kernel address space layout randomization (KASLR).

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Requires local access to trigger the vulnerability through USB device interaction.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Local attackers or malicious users could exploit this to crash systems or potentially gain elevated privileges.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires local access and ability to interact with USB subsystem. Memory corruption vulnerabilities can be challenging to weaponize reliably.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Check git.kernel.org stable commits referenced in CVE

Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/03819abbeb11117dcbba40bfe322b88c0c88a6b6

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

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

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable lan78xx driver

linux

Prevent loading of vulnerable driver module

echo 'blacklist lan78xx' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-lan78xx.conf
rmmod lan78xx

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Restrict physical and USB device access to trusted users only
Implement strict privilege separation to limit local user capabilities

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check if lan78xx module is loaded: lsmod | grep lan78xx. If loaded and kernel version is unpatched, system is vulnerable.

Check Version:

uname -r

Verify Fix Applied:

Check kernel version matches patched version from distribution. Verify lan78xx module loads without issues.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Kernel panic messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
USB-related crash reports
System crash/reboot events

Network Indicators:

Sudden loss of network connectivity on USB Ethernet interfaces

SIEM Query:

source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "Oops" OR "BUG") AND "lan78xx"

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2024-53213

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-415

Published: December 27, 2024

Last Updated: November 3, 2025

🔗 References

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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