CVE-2024-53104: Linux Kernel Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability

CVE-2024-53104 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the Linux kernel's USB Video Class (UVC) driver, specifically within the uvc_parse_streaming component. It can allow an attacker with physical access to escalate privileges on the system. For organizations running Linux, this matters because USB video devices are common in desktops, laptops, and embedded systems; successful abuse could lead to full control of the host.

Public detail is limited to the CISA summary of the flaw class and impact. Confirm exact affected kernel versions, fixed releases, and any additional conditions against the vendor advisory before acting.

How it works

The weakness is CWE-787: out-of-bounds write. In the UVC driver, the uvc_parse_streaming component processes streaming-related data from USB video devices. An attacker who can present a malicious or specially crafted USB video device can trigger a write beyond the intended buffer bounds.

Because the driver runs in kernel context, a successful out-of-bounds write can corrupt kernel memory. With physical access to plug in the device, this can be leveraged for local privilege escalation—moving from a lower-privileged process or user context to higher privileges. Exact trigger conditions, required device descriptors, or memory layout details are not provided in the available facts; treat any public exploit discussion as unconfirmed until validated against the official advisory and your own testing.

Am I affected? How to find it in your systems

The vulnerability affects the Linux kernel wherever the UVC driver is present and loaded. Typical locations include workstations, laptops, servers with USB video capture hardware, kiosks, medical or industrial devices that use webcams or USB cameras, and virtual machines that pass through USB devices.

• Inventory: Query package managers or kernel version strings (uname -r, /proc/version) across the estate. Identify systems that load the uvcvideo module (lsmod | grep uvc, or check /lib/modules for the module). Note any systems that routinely accept USB video devices.
• Configuration check: Confirm whether the UVC driver is built-in or modular and whether it is blacklisted or disabled. Review udev rules and USB device authorization policies that control which video devices can attach.
• Telemetry: Look for unexpected USB video device attachments, kernel oops or WARN messages referencing uvc or streaming parse paths, and sudden privilege changes or unexpected root processes after USB insertion. Centralized logging of dmesg, journalctl, and audit events around USB events is useful. Specific log signatures are not listed in the facts; validate any indicators against the vendor advisory.

Because exact version ranges are not supplied here, treat every Linux kernel that includes the UVC driver as potentially in scope until you confirm the fixed versions from the vendor.

How to remediate

Patch first. Apply the kernel update or security fix supplied by your distribution or kernel vendor that addresses CVE-2024-53104. Follow the vendor's instructions exactly; CISA's required action is to apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

• After updating, reboot into the new kernel and verify the uvcvideo module (or built-in equivalent) is the patched version.
• For fleets, use configuration management to enforce the updated kernel package and to prevent rollback to vulnerable kernels.
• Hardening for this class: restrict physical USB access where practical, enable USB device authorization or allow-listing so only known video devices are accepted, and keep the principle of least privilege for users who can attach hardware.

Confirm the precise package names, commit IDs, or back-ported fixes against the official vendor advisory; do not rely on version numbers from secondary sources.

If you can't patch immediately

Reduce the attack surface until the kernel update can be deployed.

• Physical and logical segmentation: Limit who can plug devices into systems that run the UVC driver. Prefer systems in locked rooms or with port blockers for high-value hosts.
• Disable the feature: Blacklist or unload the uvcvideo module on hosts that do not require USB video. If the driver is built-in, consider a custom kernel build that excludes it, or use distribution mechanisms to prevent loading.
• USB controls: Enforce USBGuard, udev rules, or endpoint protection policies that block unrecognized video-class devices. Virtual patching via host-based controls that inspect USB descriptors can help but is not a substitute for the kernel fix.
• Monitoring: Alert on new USB video device attachments, kernel faults in the UVC path, and anomalous privilege escalations. Increase logging verbosity for USB and kernel events on critical systems.

These steps lower risk but do not eliminate the out-of-bounds write; schedule the official patch as soon as possible.

If your data may have been exposed

Actively exploited kernel privilege-escalation flaws can lead to full system compromise and subsequent data exposure. Known ransomware use of this CVE is not documented in the available facts. If you suspect a system was targeted via a malicious USB video device, isolate the host, preserve memory and disk images, and perform a full forensic review. As a routine check, you can run a free exposure scan of your email addresses against known breach data sets to see whether credentials or personal information have appeared in prior incidents.