CVE-2023-53003 – This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerabili... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-53003?

CVE-2023-53003 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's EDAC/qcom driver. When the qcom_edac driver is unloaded and reloaded, it attempts to access previously freed memory, potentially leading to kernel crashes or arbitrary code execution. This affects Linux systems with Qualcomm LLCC hardware support.

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's EDAC/qcom driver. When the qcom_edac driver is unloaded and reloaded, it attempts to access previously freed memory, potentially leading to kernel crashes or arbitrary code execution. This affects Linux systems with Qualcomm LLCC hardware support.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Linux kernel with Qualcomm EDAC driver support

Versions: Linux kernel versions containing the vulnerable code (specific commit range not provided in CVE description)

Operating Systems: Linux distributions with Qualcomm hardware support

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Only affects systems with Qualcomm LLCC hardware and the qcom_edac driver loaded. Most desktop/server distributions are not affected.

📦 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 →

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

Kernel panic leading to system crash, or potential privilege escalation to kernel mode allowing complete system compromise.

🟠

Likely Case

System instability, kernel crashes, or denial of service when the affected driver module is reloaded.

🟢

If Mitigated

No impact if the vulnerable driver is not loaded or the system is patched.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This is a local kernel vulnerability requiring driver module manipulation.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Local attackers with ability to load/unload kernel modules could potentially exploit this.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires local access and ability to manipulate kernel modules. Exploitation would need to trigger driver reload scenarios.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Linux kernel versions with the fix commits referenced in the CVE

Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/66e10d5f399629ef7877304d9ba2b35d0474e7eb

Restart Required: No

Instructions:

1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. For embedded systems: Rebuild kernel with patched source. 3. For distributions: Apply security updates from your vendor.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable qcom_edac module

all

Prevent loading of the vulnerable driver module

echo 'blacklist qcom_edac' > /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-qcom_edac.conf
rmmod qcom_edac

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Restrict local user access to prevent module manipulation
Implement kernel module signing to prevent unauthorized module loading

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check if qcom_edac module is loaded: lsmod | grep qcom_edac

Check Version:

uname -r

Verify Fix Applied:

Check kernel version against patched versions or verify the fix commit is present in kernel source

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Kernel oops messages
System crashes when loading/unloading kernel modules
EDAC subsystem errors in dmesg

Network Indicators:

None - this is a local vulnerability

SIEM Query:

Search for: 'kernel: BUG:', 'kernel: Oops:', 'qcom_edac' in system logs

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-53003

CVSS v3 Score: 7.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-416

EPSS Score: 0.06% exploit probability (19.8th percentile)

Published: March 27, 2025

Last Updated: April 1, 2025

🔗 References

📤 Share & Export

📄 Export Markdown 📋 Export JSON

🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

If you're affected by CVE-2023-53003, you might also want to check these: