If USB flash drive contain any of malware/virus/worm inserted to linux host without being mount (auto mount disabled), does malware/virus/worm will infect host
If USB flash drive contain any of malware/virus/worm inserted to linux host without being mount (auto mount disabled), does malware/virus/worm will infect host
It’s possible for a USB drive to become infected with BadUSB style malware and do all sorts of shenanigans. This is where the USB controller on the stick is infected allowing it to show up as a keyboard or do other nefarious things. Fairly rare for that to happen though. Most likely you will be fine if you erase it without mounting anything.