CVE-2023-52866
📋 TL;DR
A null pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's HID uclogic driver allows local attackers to cause a kernel panic (denial of service) or potentially execute arbitrary code. This affects systems with CONFIG_HID_UCLOGIC=y enabled and is triggered through specific USB device initialization sequences.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel
📦 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 and denial of service, with potential for local privilege escalation if combined with other vulnerabilities.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic when specific USB devices are connected, requiring physical access or USB device emulation.
If Mitigated
No impact if kernel module is not loaded or vulnerable configuration is disabled.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger the specific USB device initialization path. The vulnerability was discovered through KUnit testing.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in kernel commits: 64da1f6147dac7f8499d4937a0d7ea990bf569e8, 6c8f953728d75104d994893f58801c457274335a, 91cfe0bbaa1c434d4271eb6e1d7aaa1fe8d121f6
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/64da1f6147dac7f8499d4937a0d7ea990bf569e8
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update to a kernel version containing the fix commits. 2. For distributions: Use package manager to update kernel package. 3. Reboot system to load patched kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable HID_UCLOGIC module
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable kernel module
echo 'blacklist hid-uclogic' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod hid-uclogic
Disable KUnit testing
linuxPrevent the specific test case that triggers the vulnerability
echo 'CONFIG_KUNIT_ALL_TESTS=n' >> .config (kernel rebuild required)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical access to prevent USB device connection
- Implement USB device whitelisting policies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if CONFIG_HID_UCLOGIC is enabled in kernel config and if kernel version is before the fix commitsCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes the fix commits or is newer than vulnerable versions📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs mentioning 'general protection fault' in uclogic_params_ugee_v2_init_event_hooks
- System crash when USB devices are connected
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
kernel:panic AND (uclogic OR uclogic_params_ugee_v2_init_event_hooks)🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/64da1f6147dac7f8499d4937a0d7ea990bf569e8
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6c8f953728d75104d994893f58801c457274335a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/91cfe0bbaa1c434d4271eb6e1d7aaa1fe8d121f6
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/64da1f6147dac7f8499d4937a0d7ea990bf569e8
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6c8f953728d75104d994893f58801c457274335a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/91cfe0bbaa1c434d4271eb6e1d7aaa1fe8d121f6
