In the Linux kernel, a vulnerability has been identified that affects the handling of SKB (socket buffer) corruption in the ath11k Wi-Fi driver. This vulnerability arises when an RX descriptor filled with an invalid value "0" from the REO destination ring is processed. Such an invalid descriptor can lead to fetching the wrong SKB, resulting in memory corruption, which may eventually cause system crashes.
The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 5.5, categorizing it as medium severity. The implications of this issue are significant: it can lead to system instability and unexpected crashes, especially in environments where the Linux kernel is utilized extensively. Organizations utilizing affected versions should prioritize addressing this vulnerability to maintain system integrity and reliability.
Given the nature of the vulnerability and its operational impact, organizations should prioritize remediation. The urgency for patching this vulnerability is medium, and organizations are encouraged to implement the necessary updates as part of their regular maintenance cycles.
No known exploits for this vulnerability have been identified, which reduces immediate risk; however, proactive measures should still be taken to mitigate potential impacts.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability in question is documented as follows: In the Linux kernel, specifically within the ath11k driver, there exists a flaw that allows for SKB corruption due to the mishandling of RX descriptors. When this vulnerability is triggered, it can lead to critical memory corruption issues, ultimately causing the system to crash.
The official CVSS score for this issue is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is classified as local, meaning that an attacker would need local access to exploit this vulnerability. The attack complexity is low, requiring minimal effort to exploit the flaw, especially with the necessary privileges being classified as low.
The vulnerability has been assigned the CWE ID CWE-401, which denotes a situation where there is a failure to properly manage resources leading to resource exhaustion. The publication date for this vulnerability was September 16, 2025.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of the vulnerability stems from an improper check on RX descriptors within the ath11k driver. Specifically, if an RX descriptor filled with an invalid value is processed, it fetches the wrong SKB, leading to memory corruption. This issue primarily affects system availability, which is rated high in the CVSS score.
The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker would need access to the system to exploit this vulnerability. The complexity of exploiting this vulnerability is low, as it requires minimal privileges and no user interaction, making it easier for potential attackers to trigger.
The impacts of this vulnerability are classified as follows: there is no confidentiality or integrity impact, but there is a high availability impact, leading to potential system crashes and downtime.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The presence of this vulnerability in the Linux kernel can create significant risks for organizations relying on this technology. The potential for system crashes due to SKB corruption can lead to unscheduled downtime, affecting operational productivity and service availability.
Organizations should be aware of the implications of this vulnerability on their systems. With a CVSS score of 5.5, the urgency for remediation is classified as medium. This means organizations should integrate this patch within their upcoming maintenance cycles, prioritizing it to avoid disruptions.
Although there are currently no known exploits for this vulnerability, it is essential to remain vigilant. The high availability impact signifies that if exploited, the consequences could be severe, especially in environments with heavy reliance on Linux systems.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects various versions of the Linux kernel, specifically:
1. Versions from 5.6 to below 5.10.181 2. Versions from 5.11 to below 5.15.113 3. Versions from 5.16 to below 6.1.30 4. Versions from 6.2 to below 6.3.4
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-53315, organizations must update their Linux kernel to a patched version. The relevant patches can be found in the official Linux kernel repository. The following links provide access to the patches addressing this vulnerability:
Patch information can be found here.
In the absence of a patch, organizations may consider implementing workarounds, such as configuring hardening measures to restrict access to vulnerable components and enhancing monitoring to detect any anomalous behavior.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor for the following indicators:
1. Log entries indicating kernel paging requests at unexpected addresses. 2. Behavioral anomalies in network traffic, particularly involving Wi-Fi components. 3. System crashes or unexpected reboots that align with usage of the ath11k driver.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2023-53315 represents a critical issue within the Linux kernel that highlights potential weaknesses in memory management and resource allocation. As organizations increasingly rely on Linux systems, this flaw serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous testing and validation of kernel components.
The vulnerability may also reflect a broader trend in the industry regarding the need for continual updates and proactive security measures to manage risks associated with memory corruption vulnerabilities. Security teams should leverage this incident to enhance their security posture and ensure robust testing frameworks.
For further insights on enhancing defense mechanisms, organizations can explore our resources on vulnerability management programs and best practices in penetration testing.
Additionally, organizations should ensure they are aware of emerging threats and considerations in the realm of security, as discussed in our article on API penetration testing.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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