CVE-2023-53113
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's nl80211 WiFi subsystem. When operating in AP mode with an unactivated link, the system can crash due to accessing invalid channel data. This affects Linux systems using WiFi in AP mode configurations.
💻 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 and denial of service, potentially disrupting network services on affected systems.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic when specific WiFi configuration conditions are met, causing temporary service disruption.
If Mitigated
No impact if the vulnerable code path isn't triggered through specific WiFi configuration states.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires ability to configure WiFi interfaces and trigger specific state conditions. Likely requires local access or network proximity.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patched in stable kernel versions via commits referenced in CVE
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/201a836c2385fdd2b9d0a8e7737bba5b26f1863a
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from distribution vendor. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WiFi AP mode
linuxAvoid using WiFi interfaces in AP mode configuration
Avoid unactivated links
linuxEnsure all WiFi links are properly activated when created
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable WiFi interfaces entirely if not needed
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized WiFi configuration changes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and compare with patched versions from distribution vendor. Vulnerable if using unpatched kernel with WiFi AP mode capability.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version matches patched version from vendor and system operates normally with WiFi AP configurations.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- NULL pointer dereference errors in kernel logs
- System crash/reboot events
Network Indicators:
- Sudden WiFi AP disconnection
- Network service disruption
SIEM Query:
event_type:kernel_panic OR error_message:"NULL pointer dereference" AND component:"nl80211"