CVE-2023-52769
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ath12k WiFi driver. The vulnerability occurs due to improper locking when handling MLO-offset events, potentially allowing attackers to crash the system or execute arbitrary code. Systems using affected Linux kernel versions with the ath12k driver are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with ath12k WiFi driver
📦 What is this software?
Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash, or potential privilege escalation allowing arbitrary code execution at kernel level.
Likely Case
System instability, kernel crashes, or denial of service affecting WiFi functionality.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if proper kernel hardening and privilege separation are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires detailed knowledge of kernel memory management and RCU mechanisms. No public exploits known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits: 6afc57ea315e0f660b1f870a681737bb7b71faef, afd3425bd69610f318403084fe491e24a1357fb9, d908ca431e20b0e4bfc5d911d1744910ed779bdb
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6afc57ea315e0f660b1f870a681737bb7b71faef
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version. 2. Rebuild kernel if compiling from source. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable ath12k module
linuxPrevent loading of vulnerable ath12k WiFi driver
echo 'blacklist ath12k' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-ath12k.conf
rmmod ath12k
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to prevent potential privilege escalation
- Implement strict network segmentation to limit attack surface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if ath12k module is loaded: lsmod | grep ath12k. Check kernel version against affected ranges.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes the fix commits. Check dmesg for any ath12k-related crashes after patch.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- ath12k driver crash in dmesg
- RCU stall warnings
Network Indicators:
- Unusual WiFi disconnections
- Abnormal MLO-offset events
SIEM Query:
search 'ath12k' OR 'kernel panic' in system logs🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6afc57ea315e0f660b1f870a681737bb7b71faef
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/afd3425bd69610f318403084fe491e24a1357fb9
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d908ca431e20b0e4bfc5d911d1744910ed779bdb
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6afc57ea315e0f660b1f870a681737bb7b71faef
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/afd3425bd69610f318403084fe491e24a1357fb9
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/d908ca431e20b0e4bfc5d911d1744910ed779bdb
