CVE-2023-53591 is a medium-severity vulnerability discovered in the Linux kernel, particularly affecting the networking component. This vulnerability allows for a potential deadlock situation within the tc route query code, which may lead to significant availability impacts. The affected systems include various versions of the Linux kernel, making this a widespread concern for organizations relying on Linux for their operations.
The CVSS score of 5.5 categorizes this vulnerability as medium severity, indicating that while it does not pose an immediate critical risk, it requires prompt attention. The real-world risk context includes the possibility of service disruptions, as the deadlock could prevent normal operations from continuing.
According to the analysis, the vulnerability was published on October 4, 2025, and has been classified as analyzed. Organizations utilizing affected versions should address this vulnerability in their patch cycles to mitigate risks associated with potential denial of service.
Given the nature of the deadlock issue, organizations should prioritize remediation to ensure system availability and maintain operational integrity. The urgency for defenders is high, and proactive measures should be taken to patch the systems as soon as updates are available.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of the vulnerability highlights a deadlock scenario within the tc route query code of the Linux kernel, specifically caused by a commit that leads to an ABBA deadlock when peer flows are created while holding the devcom rw semaphore. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel, including those starting from version 5.13.17 up to 6.3.5, with certain release candidates also impacted.
To address this issue, the kernel developers implemented a fix that refactors the tc route query code for lockless execution. Key changes include RCUifying the devcom 'data' pointer and refactoring functions to prevent deadlock occurrences.
The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-667, indicating a potential issue with a control mechanism that could lead to unexpected behavior in the system.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-53591 stems from the handling of the devcom rw semaphore and peer flows within the Linux kernel. When peer flows are created while holding the semaphore, it leads to a locking dependency that can result in a deadlock situation. This vulnerability requires local access to exploit, as the attack vector is classified as local, and it has a low attack complexity.
The vulnerability requires low privileges to exploit, and no user interaction is needed. The impact on availability is high, meaning that systems could be rendered unusable if the deadlock is triggered.
In terms of confidentiality and integrity, there is no impact, as the vulnerability does not allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to data or alter system behavior in a harmful manner.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2023-53591 is significant. Organizations relying on the Linux kernel for their infrastructure may face operational disruptions due to the potential deadlock. The blast radius could extend to any service dependent on the affected kernel versions, leading to systemic failures if not mitigated promptly.
The urgency for addressing this vulnerability is moderate; however, organizations should not underestimate the potential for service interruptions. The CVSS score of 5.5 underlines the need for organizations to prioritize patching in their upcoming maintenance cycles.
By implementing timely remediation, organizations can safeguard their systems against availability impacts and maintain the integrity of their operations.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of the Linux kernel are affected by CVE-2023-53591: - All versions prior to vendor patch from 5.13.17 to 5.14 - All versions from 5.14.4 to 5.15.115 - All versions from 5.16 to 6.1.31 - All versions from 6.2 to 6.3.5 - Specific release candidates (6.4:rc1, 6.4:rc2, 6.4:rc3)
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching the affected versions of the Linux kernel to remediate this vulnerability. The suggested patches are available in the Linux kernel updates. For environments where immediate patching is not possible, consider applying the following mitigations:
1. Implement configuration hardening to reduce exposure to local threats. 2. Monitor system logs for unusual behavior or errors related to tc route queries. 3. Restrict local access to systems running affected kernel versions.
For a comprehensive understanding of security practices, organizations may refer to our penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of CVE-2023-53591, organizations should monitor the following indicators:
1. Log entries indicating possible deadlocks or locking issues in the kernel. 2. Behavioral anomalies in network traffic that may suggest attempts to exploit the deadlock. 3. Monitoring of system performance metrics for sudden drops.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2023-53591 represents a concerning trend in kernel vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for rigorous testing and validation of kernel changes. Organizations must remain vigilant about potential deadlock issues, which can severely impact service availability.
Security teams should focus on enhancing their vulnerability management programs to include proactive measures for identifying and remediating such vulnerabilities in a timely manner. Regular reviews and updates of kernel versions should be incorporated into routine security practices.
For comprehensive insights on vulnerability management, organizations can explore our vulnerability management program resources.
Additionally, our insights on penetration testing methodology can provide valuable guidance on securing infrastructure against emerging threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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