CVE-2023-53184
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory corruption vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ARM64 SME/SVE implementation. When changing vector lengths, the kernel incorrectly allocates buffers before updating the vector length value, potentially leading to undersized buffers and memory corruption. This affects Linux systems running on ARM64 hardware with SME/SVE support.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel memory corruption leading to privilege escalation, system crashes, or arbitrary code execution at kernel level.
Likely Case
System instability, kernel panics, or crashes when SME/SVE vector length changes occur.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if systems don't use SME/SVE features or have the vulnerability patched.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and ability to trigger SME/SVE vector length changes. The CVE mentions issues were observed after merge into mainline but not in testing branches.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patches available in stable kernel trees (references provided in CVE)
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/05d881b85b48c7ac6a7c92ce00aa916c4a84d052
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version. 2. Check distribution-specific security advisories. 3. Reboot system after kernel update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable SME/SVE features
linuxDisable Scalable Matrix Extension and Scalable Vector Extension features if not required
echo 0 > /proc/sys/abi/sme_default_vector_length
echo 0 > /proc/sys/abi/sve_default_vector_length
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems
- Monitor for kernel panics or system instability
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if running on ARM64 with SME/SVE support. Vulnerable if using unpatched kernel with SME/SVE features.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated to include the fix commits referenced in the CVE📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- OOM (Out of Memory) errors
- Corruption-related kernel messages
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel panic events or system crash reports on ARM64 systems