CVE-2023-53281
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a kernel locking issue in the rtl8723bs Wi-Fi driver that can cause a kernel oops (crash) when handling join timeout events. The vulnerability affects Linux systems using the staging rtl8723bs driver, potentially leading to denial of service. The issue occurs due to improper IRQ handling when switching between different spinlock types.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with rtl8723bs staging 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 leading to system crash and complete denial of service, requiring physical or remote reboot.
Likely Case
Kernel oops causing Wi-Fi connectivity disruption, potential system instability, and service interruption until driver reload or system restart.
If Mitigated
Minor performance impact or occasional Wi-Fi disconnections if the race condition is rarely triggered.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires triggering specific race conditions through Wi-Fi operations. No known public exploits exist.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commit 209850f17717a3b5cc558578bef5631ac7045539 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/209850f17717a3b5cc558578bef5631ac7045539
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commit. 2. For custom kernels: apply the patch from the stable tree. 3. Rebuild and install the kernel. 4. Reboot to load the patched kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable rtl8723bs driver
allBlacklist or disable the vulnerable staging driver if not needed
echo 'blacklist r8723bs' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod r8723bs
Use alternative driver
allSwitch to a different Wi-Fi driver if available for the hardware
modprobe -r r8723bs
modprobe alternative_driver_name
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor system logs for kernel oops messages related to r8723bs module
- Implement network segmentation to limit Wi-Fi interface exposure
- Consider disabling Wi-Fi functionality if not essential
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if r8723bs module is loaded: lsmod | grep r8723bs. Check kernel version against affected range.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commit: grep -q '209850f17717a3b5cc558578bef5631ac7045539' /proc/version_signature || uname -r📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages mentioning r8723bs
- Warnings about __local_bh_enable_ip in softirq.c
- Wi-Fi connection failures in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected Wi-Fi disconnections
- Increased retransmission rates on affected interfaces
SIEM Query:
source=*kernel* AND ("r8723bs" OR "__local_bh_enable_ip" OR "softirq.c:376")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/209850f17717a3b5cc558578bef5631ac7045539
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/215792eda008f6a1e7ed9d77fa20d582d22bb114
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2a50e44a66d268ee5db3d177f1fdc1503dbce6e7
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4ab1bace1dd3875371b481ef4301c4671bddea22
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/dc327e87c6d9bfd9ee08e76396b3c0ba848ec554
