CVE-2023-53459
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's HID mcp-2221 driver. When a specific USB device is rapidly plugged and unplugged, it can cause the kernel to access freed memory, potentially leading to system crashes or arbitrary code execution. This affects Linux systems using the vulnerable kernel driver.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic, system crash, or potential local privilege escalation to kernel-level code execution, allowing complete system compromise.
Likely Case
System instability, kernel crashes, or denial of service when the vulnerable USB device is connected and disconnected rapidly.
If Mitigated
Minor system instability or crashes requiring physical access to the vulnerable USB device.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires physical access to plug/unplug USB device or ability to trigger the delayed work cancellation race condition.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel commits 47e91fdfa511139f2549687edb0d8649b123227b and 5dc297652dbc557eba7ca7d6a4c5f1940dffffb1
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/47e91fdfa511139f2549687edb0d8649b123227b
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. Check with your distribution for specific kernel package updates. 3. Reboot system after kernel update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable mcp-2221 driver module
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable driver module
echo 'blacklist hid_mcp2221' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod hid_mcp2221
Restrict USB device access
linuxUse udev rules to block the specific vulnerable USB device
Create udev rule to block device with matching vendor/product IDs
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict physical access to USB ports on vulnerable systems
- Disconnect or avoid using Microchip MCP2221 USB devices on affected systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if hid_mcp2221 kernel module is loaded: lsmod | grep hid_mcp2221Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Check kernel version includes fix commits or verify hid_mcp2221 module version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- System crashes when USB devices are connected/disconnected
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel panic or oops messages containing 'mcp2221' or 'hid_mcp2221'