In the Linux kernel, a medium-severity vulnerability has been resolved that impacts Bluetooth functionality. The issue arises when the function hci_unregister_dev() frees the hci_dev object while the hci_suspend_notifier may still be accessing it. This can lead to a crash of the program. The call trace indicates the sequence of function calls leading to the crash, emphasizing the importance of proper reference management.
This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit a race condition, potentially leading to denial of service. Given the nature of this issue, organizations using affected versions of the Linux kernel should treat this as a critical issue and prioritize patching immediately.
The CVSS score of 4.7 categorizes this vulnerability as medium severity, with an availability impact classified as high. The vulnerability affects local attack vectors, indicating that an attacker must have local access to exploit this issue.
With the potential for significant impact, it is crucial for organizations to act promptly. The urgency is underscored by the fact that no public exploit has been confirmed, but the availability impact remains a concerning factor.
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations must apply the relevant patches. This proactive step will help ensure the stability and security of their systems.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-53520 is classified under CWE-362, indicating a race condition issue. It affects the Linux kernel, specifically versions from 5.7 up to, but not including, 6.1.55, and also from 6.2 up to but not including 6.5.5. The official description notes that the problem arises during Bluetooth device suspensions.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper management of the reference count of the hci_dev object. When the hci_unregister_dev() function frees the hci_dev object, any concurrent access by hci_suspend_notifier can lead to a crash. This is exacerbated by the attack vector being local, requiring an attacker to have access to the affected system.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential for service disruption due to crashes in the Bluetooth subsystem. The availability impact is rated high, indicating that exploitation could lead to significant downtime or denial of service. Given the reliance on Bluetooth functionality in many environments, this could have a widespread impact.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of the Linux kernel from 5.7 to below 6.1.55, and from 6.2 to below 6.5.5. Organizations should ensure they are running patched versions to avoid potential crashes.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches from the Linux kernel to remediate this vulnerability. For more information on how to implement effective patch management strategies, organizations can refer to penetration testing services that validate the effectiveness of their security measures.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for signs of unusual Bluetooth activity or crashes related to Bluetooth operations. Behavioral anomalies during device suspensions should also be tracked as indicators of potential exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-53520 lies in its demonstration of vulnerabilities in core system components like the Linux kernel, which are critical to many environments. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date systems and performing regular security assessments. Organizations are encouraged to learn from this and strengthen their overall security posture by implementing robust vulnerability management programs to proactively address such issues. Additionally, engaging in penetration testing methodology can further enhance defense mechanisms against similar vulnerabilities.
Organizations should also consider the implications of this vulnerability on their incident response strategies and ensure that their teams are prepared to respond to potential exploits effectively.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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