CVE-2024-53204 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/27/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
phy: realtek: usb: fix NULL deref in rtk_usb3phy_probe
In rtk_usb3phy_probe() devm_kzalloc() may return NULL but this returned value is not checked.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-53204 represents a critical null pointer dereference issue within the Linux kernel's USB phy driver implementation for Realtek USB3 controllers. This flaw exists in the rtk_usb3phy_probe function where the kernel attempts to allocate memory using devm_kzalloc() without proper validation of the allocation result. The issue stems from the kernel's USB phy subsystem where device drivers register themselves during system initialization, and the Realtek USB3 phy driver specifically handles hardware abstraction for Realtek USB3 controller chips commonly found in various embedded systems and consumer electronics.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the devm_kzalloc() function fails to allocate the required memory block, returning a NULL pointer to the calling function rtk_usb3phy_probe(). This function does not perform a null check on the returned pointer before proceeding with subsequent operations that assume the memory allocation was successful. The absence of proper error handling creates a scenario where the driver continues execution with a NULL pointer reference, leading to immediate system crashes or potential privilege escalation opportunities. According to CWE-476, this represents a null pointer dereference vulnerability that can result in denial of service or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple device categories that utilize Realtek USB3 phy controllers, including but not limited to embedded routers, network appliances, IoT devices, and consumer electronics with USB3 connectivity. When exploited, the null pointer dereference causes kernel panics and system crashes, effectively rendering the affected devices unusable until rebooted. This vulnerability particularly affects systems running Linux kernel versions that include the problematic driver code, making it relevant to both enterprise and consumer deployments where Realtek USB3 hardware is prevalent. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges as it occurs during driver initialization, making it particularly concerning for embedded systems where the kernel runs with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-53204 should focus on immediate kernel updates that include the patched driver code with proper null pointer validation. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernel versions to include the fix that adds a null check after devm_kzalloc() calls within the rtk_usb3phy_probe function. The fix follows standard defensive programming practices and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 by preventing privilege escalation through kernel-level memory corruption. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect kernel panics or system crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular patch management schedules to address similar vulnerabilities in the USB subsystem. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper error handling in kernel space code, where memory allocation failures can lead to catastrophic system failures rather than graceful error recovery.