CVE-2023-4010

What it actually does

The usb_giveback_urb function enters an infinite loop when processing a malformed USB descriptor due to an incorrect goto condition that prevents normal return, resulting in denial of service.

Why it matters to the business

Linux systems handling USB devices can become unresponsive, causing operational downtime and loss of availability on servers, desktops, or embedded devices; the issue has been public for over three years with proof-of-concept code available though exploitation requires physical access.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker with physical access prepares a USB device containing a malformed descriptor and connects it to the target system, causing the kernel USB host controller driver to enter the flawed logic path in usb_giveback_urb and loop indefinitely.

How to fix it

Apply the latest Linux kernel updates from distribution vendors such as Red Hat that correct the logic error in usb_giveback_urb; where updates are unavailable, restrict USB device attachment through policy or hardware controls.

How to confirm the fix worked

Verify kernel source or changelog entries that address the goto condition in usb_giveback_urb; test by attempting to reproduce the loop with a controlled malformed descriptor on an isolated system after patching.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain physical access to the target Linux system
2. Attach a USB device engineered with a malformed descriptor
3. Trigger the incorrect goto condition inside usb_giveback_urb
4. Induce system-wide denial of service

How to detect it

Review kernel logs and dmesg output for USB host controller errors or repeated urb processing entries; correlate system hangs or high CPU in USB-related kernel threads with recent device attachment events.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize kernel package updates on all affected Linux distributions
• Enforce physical security and USB port restrictions on exposed systems
• Monitor vendor advisories for Red Hat Enterprise Linux and mainline kernel releases
• Disable USB host controller functionality where USB is not required