CVE-2023-53030
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a kernel memory allocation vulnerability in the Linux kernel's octeontx2-pf network driver. It occurs when GFP_KERNEL is used in an atomic context where preemption is disabled, potentially causing system instability or crashes. This affects systems using Marvell OcteonTX2 hardware with vulnerable kernel versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with octeontx2-pf 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic or system crash leading to denial of service, potentially disrupting network connectivity on affected systems.
Likely Case
System instability warnings in kernel logs, possible performance degradation, or occasional crashes when the vulnerable code path is triggered.
If Mitigated
Minor performance impact with proper patching; no security compromise as this is a stability issue rather than a privilege escalation vulnerability.
🎯 Exploit Status
This is a stability bug, not a security vulnerability that allows privilege escalation or remote code execution. Exploitation requires specific hardware and triggering the vulnerable code path.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in kernel commits: 1eb57b87f106c90cee6b2a56a10f2e29c7a25f3e, 2827c4eb429db64befdca11362e2b1c5f524f6ba, 87b93b678e95c7d93fe6a55b0e0fbda26d8c7760
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1eb57b87f106c90cee6b2a56a10f2e29c7a25f3e
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to update kernel package. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable CONFIG_DEBUG_ATOMIC_SLEEP
linuxPrevents the warning from appearing but doesn't fix the underlying issue
Rebuild kernel with CONFIG_DEBUG_ATOMIC_SLEEP=n
Avoid using octeontx2-pf driver
linuxUse alternative network interface if available
modprobe -r octeontx2-pf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor system logs for BUG: sleeping function called from invalid context warnings
- Ensure proper system backups and recovery procedures in case of crashes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if octeontx2-pf driver is loaded: lsmod | grep octeontx2 && uname -rCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is after fix commits and check dmesg for absence of the warning📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- BUG: sleeping function called from invalid context
- octeontx2-pf related errors in dmesg
Network Indicators:
- Network interface disruptions on OcteonTX2 hardware
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND "sleeping function called from invalid context" AND "octeontx2"