CVE-2023-53572
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's i.MX SCU clock driver. An attacker with local access could exploit this to cause a kernel panic (denial of service) or potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Systems using affected Linux kernel versions with i.MX processors are vulnerable.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local privilege escalation to kernel-level code execution, allowing complete system compromise.
Likely Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched or if i.MX SCU clock driver is not in use.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and knowledge of kernel exploitation techniques.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits: 08cc7cd2c2a29a2abf5bceb8f048c0734d3694ba, 0a719f0e4b6f233979e219baff73923e76a96e09, 3d90921f91fc6a8c801d527bb5848c99e335c1cf, 632c60ecd25dbacee54d5581fe3aeb834b57010a, f95ff838ac39f861d1f95a0f3bbb1e01c2517d79
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/08cc7cd2c2a29a2abf5bceb8f048c0734d3694ba
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution's repository. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable i.MX SCU clock driver
linuxRemove or disable the vulnerable driver module if not required.
rmmod clk-imx-scu
echo 'blacklist clk-imx-scu' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems with i.MX processors.
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for suspicious local activity.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if i.MX SCU clock driver is loaded: lsmod | grep clk-imx-scuCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes the fix commits or check with distribution's security advisory.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- Unexpected system crashes
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploit only
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel panic events or unexpected reboots on i.MX systems.🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/08cc7cd2c2a29a2abf5bceb8f048c0734d3694ba
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0a719f0e4b6f233979e219baff73923e76a96e09
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3d90921f91fc6a8c801d527bb5848c99e335c1cf
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/632c60ecd25dbacee54d5581fe3aeb834b57010a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/f95ff838ac39f861d1f95a0f3bbb1e01c2517d79
