CVE-2023-53664
📋 TL;DR
This CVE-2023-53664 is a null pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's OPP (Operating Performance Points) framework. It occurs when the dev_pm_opp_get_required_pstate() function attempts to use an 'opp' pointer before checking if it's valid, potentially causing kernel crashes or denial of service. This affects Linux systems using the OPP framework for power management.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, requiring physical or remote reboot.
Likely Case
System instability or kernel crash when specific power management operations are performed, resulting in temporary service disruption.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper kernel hardening and privilege separation, as exploitation requires local access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and ability to trigger specific power management operations. No known public exploits.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with commits 25130b27e0352acb83e91c467853eb9afad3b644 or 7ddd8deb1c3c0363a7e14fafb5df26e2089a69a5
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/25130b27e0352acb83e91c467853eb9afad3b644
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution's repository. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify kernel version matches patched release.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable OPP framework if unused
LinuxIf system doesn't require dynamic voltage/frequency scaling, disable OPP framework in kernel configuration.
echo 'CONFIG_PM_OPP=n' >> /path/to/kernel/config
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems using OPP framework
- Implement kernel hardening features like KASLR and strict memory protections
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and compare with patched commits. Use 'uname -r' and examine kernel source for vulnerable code pattern.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated and contains the fix commits. Check /proc/version or examine kernel source.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- NULL pointer dereference errors in kernel logs
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("NULL pointer dereference" OR "kernel panic" OR "opp")