CVE-2023-53602
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ath11k WiFi driver. When unloading the driver module (rmmod), memory allocated for firmware statistics isn't properly freed, leading to gradual memory exhaustion. This affects Linux systems using Qualcomm Atheros ath11k WiFi hardware.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with ath11k WiFi 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Sustained exploitation could lead to complete system memory exhaustion, causing kernel panics, system crashes, or denial of service requiring physical reboot.
Likely Case
Gradual memory consumption over time during driver reload cycles, potentially causing system instability or performance degradation.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper monitoring and regular system maintenance; memory is reclaimed on system reboot.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires kernel module manipulation privileges (typically root or CAP_SYS_MODULE). Not remotely exploitable.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits 55248d36beb79d3a61c9fb3122dc377fff523c89, 6aafa1c2d3e3fea2ebe84c018003f2a91722e607, or 86f9330a49d1464849482298dd34d361859183eb
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/55248d36beb79d3a61c9fb3122dc377fff523c89
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify ath11k driver loads correctly.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Avoid driver unloading
linuxPrevent unloading of ath11k kernel module to avoid triggering the memory leak
echo 'install ath11k /bin/false' >> /etc/modprobe.d/ath11k.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor system memory usage and restart if memory exhaustion is detected
- Avoid unloading/reloading ath11k driver module unless absolutely necessary
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if ath11k module is loaded: uname -r && lsmod | grep ath11kCheck 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
- System memory exhaustion warnings
- Driver module load/unload events
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local memory management issue
SIEM Query:
Search for: 'ath11k' AND ('rmmod' OR 'module unload') AND ('memory' OR 'oom')