CVE-2023-53374
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth subsystem allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. The vulnerability occurs when SCO/ISO Bluetooth connections are not properly cleaned up after their parent ACL connection is deleted early. This affects systems with Bluetooth enabled running vulnerable Linux kernel versions.
💻 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 →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
Local privilege escalation to kernel-level code execution, potentially leading to full system compromise.
Likely Case
Kernel panic or system crash causing denial of service.
If Mitigated
Limited to denial of service if exploit fails or system has additional protections like kernel hardening features.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and specific conditions to trigger the use-after-free. No public exploit code has been reported as of the CVE publication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patches available in stable kernel trees via the provided git commits. Check your distribution's kernel updates.
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3344d318337d9dca928fd448e966557ec5063f85
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update your Linux kernel to a patched version from your distribution's repositories. 2. Reboot the system to load the new kernel. 3. Verify the kernel version after reboot.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Bluetooth
linuxCompletely disable Bluetooth functionality to prevent exploitation.
sudo systemctl stop bluetooth
sudo systemctl disable bluetooth
sudo rfkill block bluetooth
Restrict Bluetooth permissions
linuxLimit which users can access Bluetooth functionality.
sudo chmod 600 /sys/class/bluetooth/*
sudo setfacl -m u:root:rw /sys/class/bluetooth/*
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Bluetooth functionality entirely if not required
- Implement strict access controls to limit which users can interact with Bluetooth devices
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and compare with your distribution's security advisories. Vulnerable if running unpatched kernel with Bluetooth enabled.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version after update matches patched version from distribution security advisory.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages related to Bluetooth
- System crashes during Bluetooth operations
- Use-after-free errors in kernel logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual Bluetooth connection patterns
- Multiple failed Bluetooth connection attempts
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("Bluetooth" AND ("panic" OR "oops" OR "use-after-free"))