CVE-2023-53412
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's USB gadget driver for Broadcom 63xx chipsets. When debugfs_lookup() is called without proper cleanup, it causes gradual memory consumption over time. Systems using the bcm63xx_udc driver are affected, primarily embedded devices with specific USB gadget functionality.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with bcm63xx_udc 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, denial of service, or potential kernel crashes.
Likely Case
Gradual memory leak over extended periods, potentially causing performance degradation or system instability requiring reboots.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper monitoring and memory management controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and ability to trigger debugfs operations on the vulnerable driver. Not remotely exploitable.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits: 31de0b70ae5661a407e9d578bbc41de2d83ac25d, a91c99b1fe5c6f7e52fb932ad9e57ec7cfe913ec, b0a2663ecbe8f65cd3bab2b34dd90156ceb0dbb8, f30c7046dfa2748520a8045bb43ed2fbca0373b5
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/31de0b70ae5661a407e9d578bbc41de2d83ac25d
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify bcm63xx_udc driver is not loaded if not needed.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable bcm63xx_udc driver
LinuxPrevent loading of vulnerable driver if not required
echo 'blacklist bcm63xx_udc' > /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-bcm63xx_udc.conf
rmmod bcm63xx_udc
Unmount debugfs
LinuxRemove debugfs mount to prevent access to vulnerable functionality
umount /sys/kernel/debug
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Ensure bcm63xx_udc driver is not loaded if not required
- Implement memory monitoring and alerting for unusual kernel memory consumption
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if bcm63xx_udc driver is loaded: lsmod | grep bcm63xx_udcCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Check kernel version against patched versions from your distribution vendor📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oom-killer messages
- System instability logs
- Memory exhaustion warnings
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
kernel: "Out of memory" OR "oom-killer" AND process contains "bcm63xx"