CVE-2023-53446 – A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux ker... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-53446?

CVE-2023-53446 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's PCI/ASPM subsystem allows local attackers to potentially crash the system or execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This affects Linux systems with PCIe multi-function devices when ASPM is enabled. Attackers need local access to trigger the vulnerability.

📋 TL;DR

A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's PCI/ASPM subsystem allows local attackers to potentially crash the system or execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This affects Linux systems with PCIe multi-function devices when ASPM is enabled. Attackers need local access to trigger the vulnerability.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Linux kernel

Versions: Specific affected versions not explicitly stated in CVE, but references indicate stable kernel patches from 5.10.x to 6.6.x likely affected

Operating Systems: Linux distributions using affected kernel versions

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Requires PCIe multi-function devices with ASPM enabled. Most systems have ASPM enabled by default for power management.

📦 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 →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Kernel panic leading to system crash or potential arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges, resulting in complete system compromise.

🟠

Likely Case

System crash or kernel panic causing denial of service, requiring system reboot.

🟢

If Mitigated

No impact if ASPM is disabled or the system doesn't use PCIe multi-function devices.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Requires local access to trigger, not remotely exploitable.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Local attackers with access to PCI device management could cause system instability.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires local access and ability to remove PCI devices and modify ASPM policy. The vulnerability is triggered by specific administrative actions.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Patched in Linux kernel stable versions via commits referenced in CVE

Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4203722d51afe3d239e03f15cc73efdf023a7103

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution vendor. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify kernel version after reboot.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable ASPM

linux

Disable Active State Power Management to prevent triggering the vulnerability

echo "performance" > /sys/module/pcie_aspm/parameters/policy

Prevent PCI device removal

linux

Restrict access to PCI device removal operations

chmod 644 /sys/bus/pci/devices/*/remove
set appropriate permissions on PCI sysfs entries

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Disable ASPM by setting policy to 'performance' to prevent vulnerability trigger
Restrict user access to PCI device management operations and sysfs interfaces

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check kernel version and compare with patched versions from distribution vendor. Check if ASPM is enabled: cat /sys/module/pcie_aspm/parameters/policy

Check Version:

uname -r

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify kernel version after update matches patched version. Test by attempting to trigger the condition (remove PCI device and change ASPM policy) in controlled environment.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Kernel panic logs
KASAN use-after-free warnings in dmesg
System crash/reboot events

Network Indicators:

None - local vulnerability only

SIEM Query:

source="kernel" AND ("KASAN" OR "use-after-free" OR "BUG:") AND "pcie_config_aspm_link"

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-53446

CVSS v3 Score: 7.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-416

EPSS Score: 0.02% exploit probability (2.6th percentile)

Published: September 18, 2025

Last Updated: January 14, 2026

🔗 References

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