CVE-2023-53226 is a medium-severity vulnerability found in the Linux kernel, specifically concerning the mwifiex driver. The vulnerability allows for out-of-bounds access due to an integer underflow in the handling of received packets. This issue affects various versions of the Linux kernel, making it critical for organizations running these systems to address it promptly.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is classified as local, which means that an attacker needs local access to exploit this vulnerability. The low attack complexity and the requirement for low privileges make it easier for an attacker to leverage this flaw if they gain initial access.
Risk to organizations includes potential denial of service, as the vulnerability can lead to high availability impact. To safeguard systems, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
As of the current information, there are no known exploits or public proof of concepts available for CVE-2023-53226, but organizations should remain vigilant and ensure they are running patched versions of the Linux kernel.
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows for out-of-bounds access when handling received packets in the mwifiex driver. The relevant functions affected include mwifiex_process_mgmt_packet, mwifiex_process_sta_rx_packet, and others. The CVSS vector for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H, indicating that while confidentiality and integrity are not impacted, availability is at high risk.
The affected product is the Linux kernel, with specific version ranges being vulnerable. The vulnerability was published on September 15, 2025, and is classified under CWE-191, which pertains to integer overflow or wraparound.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-53226 is rooted in the mwifiex driver's handling of received packets. Specifically, an integer underflow could lead to accessing memory outside the intended buffer. This flaw affects how the kernel processes management and data packets, which could lead to a denial of service.
The attack vector is local, necessitating that an attacker has local access to the system. The complexity of the attack is rated low, meaning that it can be exploited easily if the attacker has the necessary access. No user interaction is required for the exploitation of this vulnerability, which increases its risk potential.
In terms of impacts, confidentiality and integrity are unaffected, while availability could be significantly compromised, leading to operational disruptions.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2023-53226 is substantial, particularly for organizations that rely on kernel functionalities for wireless communications. Given that local access is required, the risk may seem contained, but the ease of exploitation highlights the need for immediate attention.
Organizations should assess their exposure and consider the blast radius of this vulnerability, especially in environments where multiple systems may be affected by the same kernel version. The urgency for remediation is underscored by the availability impact, which could disrupt services and lead to potential financial losses for businesses.
With a CVSS score of 5.5, this vulnerability should not be ignored. Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to mitigate risks effectively.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The versions of the Linux kernel affected by this vulnerability include: - All versions from 3.7 up to, but not including, 4.14.326 - All versions from 4.15 up to, but not including, 4.19.295 - All versions from 4.20 up to, but not including, 5.4.257 - All versions from 5.5 up to, but not including, 5.10.195 - All versions from 5.11 up to, but not including, 5.15.132 - All versions from 5.16 up to, but not including, 6.1.53 - All versions from 6.2 up to, but not including, 6.4.16 - All versions from 6.5 up to, but not including, 6.5.3
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching the Linux kernel to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability. The remediation should include reviewing the list of affected versions and upgrading to a secure version.
In cases where immediate patching is not feasible, organizations may consider implementing additional network controls to mitigate exposure. Continuous security testing can also be beneficial to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Continuous security testing should be integrated into the security strategy to maintain a secure environment.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor system logs for unusual patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Behavioral anomalies related to network traffic can also be indicative of an attempt to leverage this vulnerability.
Important indicators include unexpected service disruptions or crashes that correlate with the timing of potential exploits.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-53226 lies in its potential impact on the stability of systems using the Linux kernel. Organizations should recognize the trend towards increased vulnerabilities in kernel-level drivers and take proactive measures to address security issues.
Lessons learned from this vulnerability emphasize the importance of timely patching and continuous monitoring to mitigate risks associated with kernel vulnerabilities.
Strategically, organizations should invest in a robust security framework that includes regular assessments and a commitment to security best practices.
Vulnerability management programs can serve as a foundation for improving security posture and resilience against emerging threats.
Penetration testing methodologies can help identify security gaps, providing insights into how to better protect critical infrastructure.
Cloud penetration testing should also be considered, especially for organizations leveraging cloud services that depend on the Linux kernel.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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