And this is all predicated on windows including this “feature”. Like, yes, theoretically, malicious devices can manipulate parts of the broader system and fire off exploits. Such an exploit would be very big news though, it’s not something vendors can get away with casually.

Android depends on who gave it to you. If you install Linux from a parking lot flash drive it doesn’t mean the Linux project is compromised, it means you got pwned.

I’d make the same argument about installing pre-compromised pirated windows but…windows kinda just is malware now.

That’s…not how device firmware works.

You’re not going to get adware drivers on a Linux system unless you’re using stuff that’s supremely sketchy and also installing things you shouldn’t be. What you’re thinking of is 3rd party windows drivers.