CVE-2023-53356
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a null pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's USB gadget serial driver. An attacker could potentially cause a kernel panic or system crash by triggering a race condition between disconnect and suspend operations. Systems using USB gadget functionality with serial ports are affected.
💻 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 denial of service, potentially requiring physical access or reboot to restore functionality.
Likely Case
System instability or crash affecting USB gadget functionality, but limited to specific USB gadget configurations.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper kernel hardening and limited USB gadget usage.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires race condition timing and specific USB gadget configuration. Likely requires local access or USB device interaction.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Multiple stable kernel versions with commit hashes provided in references
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2788a3553f7497075653210b42e2aeb6ba95e28e
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 USB gadget functionality
LinuxRemove or disable USB gadget modules if not required
modprobe -r g_serial
echo 'blacklist g_serial' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable USB gadget serial functionality if not required
- Implement strict USB device control policies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if g_serial module is loaded: lsmod | grep g_serialCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is patched and test USB gadget functionality📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- USB gadget error messages in dmesg
- System crash reports
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel panic events or USB gadget driver errors in system logs🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2788a3553f7497075653210b42e2aeb6ba95e28e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2f6ecb89fe8feb2b60a53325b0eeb9866d88909a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/374447e3367767156405bedd230c5d391f4b7962
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a8ea7ed644cbf6314b5b0136b5398754b549fb8f
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e60a827ac074ce6bd58305fe5a86afab5fce6a04
