CVE-2023-53288
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's DRM (Direct Rendering Manager) subsystem. When the drm_client_modeset_probe function sets a new display mode, it fails to free the previous mode, causing kernel memory exhaustion over time. This affects Linux systems with DRM graphics drivers, particularly those using the AST graphics driver.
💻 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 →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
Sustained exploitation could lead to kernel memory exhaustion, causing system instability, crashes, or denial of service through resource depletion.
Likely Case
Gradual memory leak during display mode changes, potentially causing performance degradation or system instability over extended periods.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper monitoring and memory limits in place, though still represents a resource management flaw.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires triggering the vulnerable code path through display mode changes, typically requiring local access or integration with other vulnerabilities.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patched in stable kernel versions referenced in the CVE
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1369d0c586ad44f2d18fe2f4cbc5bcb24132fa71
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version. 2. Check distribution-specific security advisories. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable affected DRM drivers
LinuxPrevent loading of vulnerable DRM drivers if not required
echo 'blacklist ast' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
update-initramfs -u
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement kernel memory monitoring and alerting for unusual consumption patterns
- Restrict local user access to systems where this vulnerability could be triggered
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if DRM subsystem is loaded: 'lsmod | grep drm' and 'uname -r'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated beyond patched versions and check for memory leak using tools like kmemleak or system monitoring📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages
- Out of memory errors in system logs
- DRM subsystem error messages
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("out of memory" OR "kernel panic" OR "drm" AND "error")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1369d0c586ad44f2d18fe2f4cbc5bcb24132fa71
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2329cc7a101af1a844fbf706c0724c0baea38365
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5d580017bdb9b3e930b6009e467e5e1589f8ca8a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5f2a12f64347f535c6ef55fa7eb36a2874d69b59
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8108a494639e56aea77e7196a1d6ea89792b9d4a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/917bef37cfaca07781c6fbaf6cd9404d27e64e6f
