CVE-2023-53575
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an array out-of-bounds access vulnerability in the iwlwifi driver in the Linux kernel. An attacker could potentially exploit this to cause kernel memory corruption, leading to system crashes or arbitrary code execution. This affects Linux systems using Intel wireless hardware with the iwlwifi driver.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with iwlwifi 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to denial of service, 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 physical access or reboot to restore functionality.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if systems are patched or don't use vulnerable iwlwifi configurations.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access to configure wireless settings and knowledge of WEP key manipulation. No public exploits known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in kernel commits 133b1cd4d98bb8b272335c8e6b0e0c399c0b2ffa and 637452360ecde9ac972d19416e9606529576b302
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/133b1cd4d98bb8b272335c8e6b0e0c399c0b2ffa
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to update kernel. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WEP encryption
linuxAvoid using WEP encryption on wireless interfaces as the vulnerability is triggered during WEP key handling.
# Configure wireless to use WPA2/WPA3 instead of WEP
# Use network manager or wpa_supplicant configuration
Disable iwlwifi module
linuxTemporarily disable the vulnerable driver if wireless is not required.
sudo modprobe -r iwlwifi
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable WEP encryption on all wireless interfaces
- Restrict physical and network access to systems with vulnerable configurations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if iwlwifi module is loaded: 'uname -r' and 'lsmod | grep iwlwifi'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated beyond fix commits and test WEP configuration stability📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- iwlwifi driver crash logs in dmesg
- System crash/reboot events
Network Indicators:
- Unusual WEP configuration attempts
- Wireless interface instability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "Oops" OR "iwlwifi")