CVE-2023-53039
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Intel ISH HID driver. When the driver's probe function fails during device initialization, a scheduled work function can access freed memory, potentially leading to kernel crashes or arbitrary code execution. This affects Linux systems using Intel Integrated Sensor Hub (ISH) hardware.
💻 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 mode allowing complete system compromise.
Likely Case
System instability, kernel crashes, or denial of service when ISH hardware initialization fails.
If Mitigated
System remains stable with proper patching; the vulnerability requires specific hardware and failure conditions to trigger.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and specific hardware conditions. The use-after-free occurs during device initialization failure scenarios.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in kernel commits: 0a594cb490ca6232671fc09e2dc1a0fc7ccbb0b5, 8ae2f2b0a28416ed2f6d8478ac8b9f7862f36785, 8c1d378b8c224fd50247625255f09fc01dcc5836, d3ce3afd9f791dd1b7daedfcf8c396b60af5dec0
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0a594cb490ca6232671fc09e2dc1a0fc7ccbb0b5
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. Reboot system to load patched kernel. 3. Verify kernel version after reboot.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Intel ISH HID driver
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable driver module
echo 'blacklist intel-ish-hid' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod intel-ish-hid
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local access to systems with Intel ISH hardware
- Implement strict privilege separation to limit impact of potential local exploitation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if intel-ish-hid module is loaded: lsmod | grep intel-ish-hid. Check kernel version against patched versions.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits. Check dmesg for ISH driver initialization errors.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- Use-after-free warnings in dmesg
- ISH driver initialization failures
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel panic events or use-after-free warnings in system logs