CVE-2023-53514
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's host1x GPU driver. When device registration fails during module unloading, kernel memory containing device names isn't properly freed, leading to resource exhaustion over time. This affects Linux systems using NVIDIA Tegra GPUs with the host1x driver.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with host1x GPU 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 panic.
Likely Case
Gradual memory leak during repeated device initialization failures, eventually leading to performance degradation or system instability requiring reboot.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper monitoring and regular reboots, though memory consumption would still increase over time.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires ability to trigger device initialization failures in the host1x driver, typically requiring local access or driver-specific conditions.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in kernel commits: 3ab0f5ddb761, 55879dad0f3a, 958c6cbc3299, dba1aeaaf3d0
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3ab0f5ddb761270b11d8c90b8550a59666cfc9bb
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. Check with your distribution for specific patched kernel versions. 3. Reboot system after kernel update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable host1x module
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable host1x driver if not needed
echo 'blacklist host1x' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
update-initramfs -u
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor kernel memory usage and system stability metrics
- Implement regular system reboots to clear accumulated memory leaks
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if host1x module is loaded: 'lsmod | grep host1x' and 'uname -r'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits or is newer than vulnerable versions📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oom-killer messages
- Increasing memory usage without clear cause
- System instability after device initialization failures
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
kernel: "Out of memory" OR "host1x" AND ("error" OR "failed")