CVE-2023-53057
📋 TL;DR
This is a global-out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth subsystem. It allows attackers to read kernel memory beyond allocated bounds when Bluetooth initialization occurs, potentially leaking sensitive information. Systems running affected Linux kernel versions with Bluetooth enabled 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 →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 memory disclosure leading to privilege escalation or system compromise through information disclosure that could bypass KASLR or leak sensitive data.
Likely Case
Kernel panic or system crash causing denial of service, potentially with some kernel memory leakage.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if KASAN detects and prevents the out-of-bounds access, resulting in logged warnings but no exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires ability to trigger Bluetooth initialization; local access or Bluetooth proximity needed. The bug is a read-only out-of-bounds access, limiting exploitation potential.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with commit bce56405201111807cc8e4f47c6de3e10b17c1ac or later
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/bce56405201111807cc8e4f47c6de3e10b17c1ac
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 package. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Bluetooth
linuxPrevent Bluetooth initialization by disabling Bluetooth subsystem
sudo systemctl disable bluetooth
sudo systemctl stop bluetooth
sudo modprobe -r btusb bluetooth
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Bluetooth hardware in BIOS/UEFI if not needed
- Implement network segmentation to limit Bluetooth device access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if Bluetooth is enabled: 'uname -r' and 'systemctl status bluetooth'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commit: 'uname -r' should match patched version; check kernel changelog for commit bce56405201111807cc8e4f47c6de3e10b17c1ac📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- KASAN reports of global-out-of-bounds in hci_dev_open_sync
- Kernel panic logs mentioning Bluetooth initialization
Network Indicators:
- Unusual Bluetooth connection attempts triggering crashes
SIEM Query:
kernel_log: "KASAN: global-out-of-bounds" AND "hci_dev_open_sync" OR "amp_init"