CVE-2023-53028
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a double-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's WiFi subsystem (mac80211) that occurs when reverting a previous memory leak fix. The vulnerability allows attackers to potentially crash the kernel or execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Systems running affected Linux kernel versions with WiFi functionality are vulnerable.
💻 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 →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-level code execution allowing complete system compromise.
Likely Case
System crash or instability when WiFi interfaces are added/removed, potentially causing denial of service.
If Mitigated
With proper kernel hardening and exploit mitigations, impact may be limited to denial of service rather than code execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires ability to trigger WiFi interface operations. The syzbot report shows crash is reproducible but full exploit development may be complex.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions after the revert commit (check specific distribution backports)
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/71e5cd1018d345e649e63f74a56c1897f99db7e9
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the revert commit. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to install latest kernel updates. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WiFi functionality
linuxRemove or disable WiFi drivers/modules to prevent triggering the vulnerability
sudo modprobe -r mac80211
sudo rmmod mac80211
Blacklist WiFi modules
linuxPrevent loading of affected WiFi modules at boot
echo 'blacklist mac80211' | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-wifi.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to prevent potential privilege escalation
- Implement strict process isolation and limit WiFi interface management to trusted users only
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if between affected commit range: uname -r and examine kernel git historyCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is after revert commit: check /proc/version or kernel changelog📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in dmesg
- NULL pointer dereference errors
- General protection fault errors related to WiFi operations
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected WiFi interface failures
- System crashes during network interface operations
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("general protection fault" OR "KASAN: null-ptr-deref" OR "ieee80211_if")