CVE-2023-53442
📋 TL;DR
A Linux kernel vulnerability in the Intel Ethernet Controller (ice) driver allows a null pointer dereference when both Application Device Queues (ADQ) and switchdev modes are enabled simultaneously. This can cause kernel crashes or system instability. Systems using Intel Ethernet controllers with Linux kernel versions containing the vulnerable driver are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with Intel Ethernet Controller (ice) 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 →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
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, potentially requiring physical access to restart affected systems.
Likely Case
System instability or crashes when both ADQ and switchdev features are enabled, causing service disruption.
If Mitigated
No impact if ADQ and switchdev are not enabled simultaneously or if the system is patched.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires privileged access to enable both ADQ and switchdev modes. Not a remote code execution vulnerability.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel versions containing commits: 1c82d1b736ce85e77fd4da05eca6f1f4a52a2bc3, 24f0d69da35d812b3a1104918014a29627140cb1, 43d00e102d9ecbe2635d7e3f2e14d2e90183d6af
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1c82d1b736ce85e77fd4da05eca6f1f4a52a2bc3
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt, yum, dnf) to update kernel package. 3. Reboot is recommended but not strictly required for driver updates.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Prevent simultaneous ADQ and switchdev activation
LinuxEnsure ADQ and switchdev modes are not enabled at the same time on affected systems
# Check current modes
devlink dev show
# Disable ADQ if switchdev is enabled
echo 0 > /sys/class/net/<interface>/queues/rx-<n>/adq_enable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Ensure ADQ and switchdev modes are never enabled simultaneously on affected systems
- Implement access controls to prevent unauthorized users from modifying network interface configurations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if both ADQ and switchdev are enabled on ice interfaces: 'devlink dev show' and check /sys/class/net/<interface>/queues/rx-*/adq_enableCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version contains fix commits: 'uname -r' and check kernel changelog for the specific commit hashes📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- NULL pointer dereference errors in kernel logs
- ice driver crash messages
Network Indicators:
- Sudden network interface failures
- Unexpected network service disruptions
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("NULL pointer dereference" OR "ice" OR "kernel panic")