CVE-2023-53598
Description
A missing bounds check flaw was found in the Linux kernel's Modem Host Interface bus driver in the channel doorbell offset validation logic. A local user can trigger this issue on systems with MHI devices (typically Qualcomm modems or wireless cards) by using a device that provides malformed or malicious channel configuration data during initialization, causing an out-of-bounds array access. This leads to kernel memory corruption resulting in a panic or denial of service.
Statement
MHI devices communicate channel configuration through doorbell offset values (CHDBOFF and ERDBOFF) that index into the device's register space. The driver reads these offsets from device memory during initialization but historically failed to validate that they fall within legitimate bounds. A malicious device—or a legitimate device with corrupted firmware—can supply offset values that point outside the allocated channel context array. When the driver attempts to use these offsets, it accesses arbitrary kernel memory, typically triggering an immediate panic. Physical access is generally required to connect a malicious device, though in some cases (like M.2 modems) a compromised device firmware could supply bad values.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 4.7 | 5.5 | 8.4 |
| Attack Vector | Local | Local | Local |
| Attack Complexity | High | Low | Low |
| Privileges Required | Low | Low | None |
| User Interaction | None | None | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | None | None | High |
| Integrity Impact | None | None | High |
| Availability Impact | High | High | High |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Integrity
Technical Impact: Modify Memory; Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
Write operations could cause memory corruption. In some cases, an adversary can modify control data such as return addresses in order to execute unexpected code.
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
Attempting to access out-of-range, invalid, or unauthorized memory could cause the product to crash.
Other
Technical Impact: Unexpected State
Subsequent write operations can produce undefined or unexpected results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure what something means? Check out our Security Glossary.
Want to get errata notifications? Sign up here.
