CVE-2023-53329
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a data race condition in the Linux kernel's workqueue subsystem where concurrent access to pwq->stats counters can cause memory corruption. It affects Linux systems with specific kernel versions and requires local access to exploit. The vulnerability could lead to kernel instability or crashes.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic or system crash leading to denial of service, potentially allowing privilege escalation if combined with other vulnerabilities.
Likely Case
System instability, kernel crashes, or incorrect workqueue statistics reporting.
If Mitigated
Minor performance impact from workqueue statistics inaccuracies with no security impact.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires precise timing to trigger the data race condition and local access to the system.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commit ce55024f28589b0012fa2c6b5748ec5a180b7fbe
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ce55024f28589b0012fa2c6b5748ec5a180b7fbe
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commit. 2. For distributions: Use package manager to update kernel package. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Reduce workqueue concurrency
linuxLimit concurrent workqueue operations to reduce probability of triggering the race condition
echo 1 > /sys/module/workqueue/parameters/max_active
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor system logs for kernel panic or workqueue-related errors
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and verify if it's between vulnerable range. Use 'uname -r' and compare with distribution's security advisories.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version contains the fix commit: 'grep -q ce55024f28589b0012fa2c6b5748ec5a180b7fbe /proc/version' should return 0 if patched.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- Workqueue-related errors in dmesg
- KCSAN data race detection messages
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local kernel vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("data-race" OR "workqueue" OR "KCSAN")