CVE-2023-53371
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's mlx5e network driver. When the mlx5e_fs_tt_redirect_any_create function fails, it doesn't properly free allocated memory, causing gradual memory exhaustion. This affects systems using Mellanox network adapters with the mlx5e driver.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with mlx5e 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Sustained exploitation could lead to kernel memory exhaustion, causing system instability, crashes, or denial of service on affected network interfaces.
Likely Case
Gradual memory consumption over time leading to performance degradation and potential system instability requiring reboots.
If Mitigated
With proper monitoring and memory limits, impact is limited to performance issues that can be detected and addressed before system failure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires triggering the specific error path in mlx5e_fs_tt_redirect_any_create. This typically requires local access and ability to manipulate network configuration.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits: 3250affdc658557a41df9c5fb567723e421f8bf2, 75df2fe6d160e16be880aacacd521b135d7177c9, 8a75a6f169c3df3a94802314aa61282772ac75b8
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3250affdc658557a41df9c5fb567723e421f8bf2
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update to a patched kernel version from your distribution vendor. 2. For custom kernels, apply the git commits listed in references. 3. No kernel restart required - the fix is in the network driver module.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable affected functionality
LinuxIf not using flow steering redirect functionality, consider disabling or avoiding configurations that trigger mlx5e_fs_tt_redirect_any_create
# Configuration dependent - consult mlx5 driver documentation
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict memory monitoring and alerting for kernel memory usage
- Restrict access to network configuration to prevent triggering the vulnerable code path
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and verify if it contains the vulnerable code by examining kernel source or checking with distribution vendorCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes the fix commits or check with 'modinfo mlx5_core' for driver version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oom-killer messages
- System memory exhaustion warnings
- mlx5_core driver error messages
Network Indicators:
- Unexplained network performance degradation on Mellanox interfaces
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("oom" OR "out of memory" OR "mlx5")