CVE-2023-53570
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an integer overflow vulnerability in the Linux kernel's nl80211 wireless subsystem. When a malicious user with CAP_NET_ADMIN privileges sends 256 or more MBSSID elements via the nl80211 interface, it triggers a heap buffer overflow that could lead to kernel memory corruption or privilege escalation. Only systems with wireless devices supporting MBSSID functionality and configured drivers are affected.
💻 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 →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
Successful exploitation could lead to kernel memory corruption, privilege escalation to root, or complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution in kernel context.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation from a user with CAP_NET_ADMIN to root, potentially leading to full system control and data compromise.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls limiting CAP_NET_ADMIN privileges, impact is reduced to denial of service or system instability from kernel panic.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires CAP_NET_ADMIN privileges and specific wireless hardware configuration. No public exploit code is known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits: 6311071a056272e1e761de8d0305e87cc566f734, 7d09f9f255a5f78578deba5454923072bb53b16c, e642eb67b8c10dcce758d549cc81564116e0fa49
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6311071a056272e1e761de8d0305e87cc566f734
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution's repositories. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify kernel version after reboot.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict CAP_NET_ADMIN privileges
linuxLimit users and processes with CAP_NET_ADMIN capabilities to reduce attack surface
Review /etc/security/capability.conf and user capabilities
Use setcap to remove CAP_NET_ADMIN from unnecessary processes
Disable wireless interfaces
linuxDisable wireless functionality if not required
ip link set wlan0 down
rfkill block wifi
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Strictly limit CAP_NET_ADMIN privileges to essential users and processes only
- Disable wireless interfaces or remove wireless hardware if MBSSID functionality is not required
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if wireless interfaces with MBSSID support are present. Use: uname -r and check for wireless devices with iw list | grep -i mbssidCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is patched and test with controlled MBSSID element injection if possible📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- OOM killer activity related to wireless subsystem
- Unusual nl80211 command patterns in system logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual wireless configuration changes
- Multiple MBSSID configuration attempts
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "Oops" OR "segfault") AND ("nl80211" OR "wireless" OR "wifi")