Memory Leak Vulnerability in Linux Kernel's USB Subsystem - CVE-2023-53417
Summary
CVE-2023-53417: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: USB: sl811: fix memory leak with using debugfs_lookup() When calling debugfs_lookup() the result must have dput() called on it, otherwise the memory wil... Affects linux versions 5.10.103-1 – 6.9.9-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of many operating systems, managing hardware and system resources. It provides essential services for all other parts of the operating system, including device drivers, system calls, and process management. The kernel's USB subsystem is responsible for managing USB devices and their interactions with the system. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-53417 affects this subsystem, specifically related to memory management when using the debugfs_lookup() function.
Vulnerability Detail
CVE-2023-53417 is a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's USB subsystem. It arises from the improper handling of memory allocation when calling the debugfs_lookup() function. If the result of this function is not properly released using dput(), it leads to a gradual increase in memory usage over time, potentially exhausting system resources and causing performance degradation. The vulnerability is critical as it can affect system stability and reliability, especially in environments with limited memory resources.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds provided for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the patch as soon as it becomes available.
Conclusion
CVE-2023-53417 is a significant memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's USB subsystem that requires immediate attention. Users are encouraged to update their systems to the patched version to mitigate potential risks. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and identifying vulnerabilities in your software.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
CVE-2023-53417 is a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's USB subsystem that can lead to increased memory usage and potential system instability.
If exploited, this vulnerability can cause memory exhaustion, leading to performance degradation and potential crashes in systems with limited resources.
Yes, a patch is available in version 6.1.20-1 and later for the Linux package on Debian systems.
You can use tools like Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By using the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected without any signup.
While there are no specific workarounds, it is advisable to monitor your system's memory usage closely until you can apply the patch.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.
