CVE-2023-53002
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Intel i915 graphics driver. When users repeatedly map memory regions using mmap_offset, the driver fails to properly clean up internal data structures, leading to gradual memory exhaustion. This affects Linux systems with Intel integrated or discrete graphics hardware.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with Intel i915 graphics 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 →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 →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
Sustained exploitation could lead to kernel memory exhaustion, causing system instability, crashes, or denial of service on affected systems.
Likely Case
Gradual memory consumption over time when graphics applications repeatedly use mmap operations, potentially degrading system performance.
If Mitigated
With proper kernel updates, no impact as the memory leak is prevented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to execute graphics operations. Memory leak is gradual rather than immediate.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commit 0220e4fe178c3390eb0291cdb34912d66972db8a
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0220e4fe178c3390eb0291cdb34912d66972db8a
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commit. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to update kernel. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict graphics access
linuxLimit user access to graphics operations that trigger mmap_offset calls
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor system memory usage for unusual consumption patterns
- Restrict user access to graphics-intensive applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if i915 driver is loaded: 'uname -r' and 'lsmod | grep i915'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commit: 'git log --oneline | grep 0220e4fe178c' or check kernel changelog📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel OOM (Out of Memory) messages
- System memory exhaustion warnings
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("out of memory" OR "oom" OR "memory allocation failure")