CVE-2023-53410
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's USB ULPI subsystem when using debugfs_lookup() without proper cleanup. The vulnerability allows attackers to gradually exhaust kernel memory over time, potentially leading to system instability or denial of service. All Linux systems with USB ULPI functionality enabled 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
System crashes or becomes unresponsive due to kernel memory exhaustion, requiring physical reboot and potentially causing data loss or service disruption.
Likely Case
Gradual performance degradation over time as kernel memory becomes fragmented, eventually requiring system restart to restore normal operation.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper monitoring and restart procedures in place; memory leak would be detected and addressed before causing significant issues.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access or ability to connect USB devices; memory leak occurs gradually over time rather than immediate impact.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with commits 2b8aa879e28d, 8f4d25eba599, or dcbe69f4f743
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2b8aa879e28df11e45855b04788050c61fb6b02a
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version. 2. For custom kernels: apply commit 2b8aa879e28d or equivalent. 3. Recompile and install kernel. 4. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable USB ULPI debugfs
allPrevent the vulnerable debugfs_lookup() calls by disabling USB ULPI debugfs functionality
echo 0 > /sys/kernel/debug/usb/ulpi/enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor kernel memory usage closely and restart systems showing abnormal memory growth
- Restrict physical USB device access to prevent potential triggering of the vulnerability
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and verify if USB ULPI debugfs is enabled: lsmod | grep ulpi and check /sys/kernel/debug/usb/ulpi/Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits: uname -r and check kernel source for commit 2b8aa879e28d📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oom-killer messages
- System logs showing memory pressure warnings
- dmesg output with memory allocation failures
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("out of memory" OR "oom-killer" OR "memory allocation failure")