CVE-2023-53444
📋 TL;DR
A memory corruption vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) TTM (Translation Table Maps) subsystem can cause kernel crashes when manipulating bulk_move lists. This affects Linux systems with DRM graphics drivers enabled, potentially leading to denial of service. Attackers with local access could trigger this vulnerability to crash the kernel.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, potentially causing data loss or system instability.
Likely Case
Local denial of service through kernel crash when specific graphics operations are performed.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if system has proper access controls preventing local attackers from executing privileged graphics operations.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger specific DRM/GPU operations. Not remotely exploitable.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits 4481913607e5, 70a3015683b0, or e7cf50e41bdc
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4481913607e58196c48a4fef5e6f45350684ec3c
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution. 2. For custom kernels, apply the fix commits. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable DRM/GPU subsystem
allDisable the affected subsystem if GPU functionality is not required
Add 'nomodeset' to kernel boot parameters
Blacklist DRM modules if possible
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to prevent unauthorized users from triggering graphics operations
- Implement strict process isolation and resource limits for graphics-related applications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if it contains the vulnerable code. Use 'uname -r' and compare with affected versions.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated to include the fix commits. Check kernel changelog for commit hashes.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- NULL pointer dereference errors in kernel logs
- DRM/GPU subsystem crash logs
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel panic events or NULL pointer dereference in system logs