CVE-2024-53213·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: net: usb: lan78xx: Fix double free issue with interrupt buffer allocation In lan78xx_probe(), the buffer `buf` was being freed twice: once implicitly through `usb_free_urb(dev->urb_intr)` with the `URB_FREE_BUFFER` flag and again explicitly by `kfree(buf)`. This caused a double free issue. To resolve this, reordered `kmalloc()` and `usb_alloc_urb()` calls to simplify the initialization sequence and removed the redundant `kfree(buf)`. Now, `buf` is allocated after `usb_alloc_urb()`, ensuring it is correctly managed by `usb_fill_int_urb()` and freed by `usb_free_urb()` as intended.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 6.12.2
- Published
How likely is exploitation
FIRST's Exploit Prediction Scoring System puts the probability of this CVE being exploited in the next 30 days at <0.1% — higher than 2% of all published CVEs. EPSS is an independent forecast of exploitation, not a severity rating: it says nothing about how much damage a successful attack does, which is what a CVSS score measures.
Read the two together. CVE-2024-53213 scores 7.8 on CVSS, so a successful attack would be serious — but at <0.1%, almost nobody is currently attempting it. That is a different situation from a flaw under mass exploitation, and it is usually the difference between patching on your next maintenance window and patching tonight.
Affected versions
From: 6.12
Until: 6.12.2
Fixed in: 6.12.2
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 6.12.2 or later to resolve a critical double-free memory corruption vulnerability in the USB LAN78xx driver. This flaw could allow local users with moderate privileges to trigger kernel memory corruption, potentially leading to system crashes or privilege escalation. Apply the kernel update through your distribution's package manager and reboot your system.
sudo dnf update kernelDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Step 1: Check installed kernel version with `uname -r` — vulnerable versions are 6.12.0 through 6.12.1
- Step 2: Verify if USB LAN78xx adapter is present with `lsusb | grep -i lan` or `ethtool -i eth0` to check driver name
- Step 3: Search kernel logs for double-free warnings with `dmesg | grep -i 'double free\|memory corruption\|usb_free_urb'`
- Step 4: Confirm the fix is applied by running `uname -r` and verifying version is 6.12.2 or later
FAQ
What is CVE-2024-53213?
CVE-2024-53213 is a double-free memory corruption vulnerability in the Linux kernel's USB LAN78xx network driver. The driver incorrectly frees an interrupt buffer twice during probe initialization, which can be exploited by local users to crash the kernel or potentially gain elevated privileges.
Is CVE-2024-53213 being actively exploited?
No, this vulnerability is not listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and no public exploit code is currently available. However, the high CVSS score (7.8) indicates it should be prioritized for patching.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2024-53213?
Kernel versions 6.12.0 through 6.12.1 are affected. The vulnerability was fixed in kernel 6.12.2 and later releases.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2024-53213?
Run `uname -r` to check your kernel version — if it shows 6.12.0 or 6.12.1, you are vulnerable. Additionally confirm a USB LAN78xx adapter is present with `lsusb | grep -i lan78`.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2024-53213?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If the Linux kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2024-53213 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/03819abbeb11117dcbba40bfe322b88c0c88a6b6
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/7ac9f3c981eeceee2ec4d30d850f4a6f50a1ec40
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/977128343fc2a30737399b58df8ea77e94f164bd
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a422ebec863d99d5607fb41bb7af3347fcb436d3
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b09512aea6223eec756f52aa584fc29eeab57480
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